Ceasefire Halts Fierce Clashes as Damascus Reasserts Control Over Kurdish‑Held Regions

A fragile but consequential ceasefire has taken hold across northeastern Syria after days of intense fighting between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish‑led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The agreement, confirmed late Sunday, follows rapid military advances by Damascus into territories long administered by the SDF, reshaping the political and military landscape of the region.

The truce comes after weeks of escalating clashes that displaced thousands, destabilised key towns, and triggered international concern over the fate of Islamic State detainees held in SDF‑run prisons. According to multiple reports, government forces seized wide areas of Raqqa, Deir ez‑Zor, and parts of Hasakah before the ceasefire was announced.

A Turning Point After Rapid Government Advances

Syrian state media and SDF officials confirmed that the ceasefire includes the withdrawal of SDF units from areas west of the Euphrates and the integration of its fighters into the Syrian military structure. The agreement also grants Damascus full administrative and military authority over Raqqa and Deir ez‑Zor, including control of border crossings and major oil and gas fields—assets that had long bolstered the SDF’s autonomy.

Analysts say the timing of the deal reflects a decisive shift in leverage. Government forces captured strategic oil fields such as al‑Omar and al‑Tanak during the weekend offensive, significantly weakening the SDF’s bargaining position before negotiations began.

Mazloum Abdi, the SDF’s commander‑in‑chief, acknowledged the losses in a televised address, stating that the withdrawal was necessary “to prevent civil war” and protect civilians in the northeast.

Ceasefire Under Strain as Skirmishes Continue

Despite the agreement, clashes continued in several areas on Monday. Fighting erupted near prisons holding thousands of Islamic State detainees, including at al‑Aqtan and Shaddadi, where SDF officials accused government‑aligned factions of violating the truce.

The SDF reported casualties among its fighters and warned that attempts to seize prison facilities could trigger “serious security repercussions” and risk the escape of extremist detainees. Government sources, meanwhile, accused the SDF of launching attacks near Aleppo, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire.

A US convoy was seen near one of the contested prison sites, reportedly attempting to mediate between the sides. Washington maintains relations with both Damascus and the SDF and remains concerned about the resurgence of Islamic State cells in the region.

Political Negotiations Begin in Damascus

Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa is expected to meet SDF commander Mazloum Abdi in Damascus to discuss the implementation of the agreement and the future of Kurdish‑administered institutions. The meeting, delayed due to weather conditions, is seen as a critical step toward consolidating the ceasefire and defining the SDF’s role within the Syrian state moving forward.

The presidency has stated that the deal ensures the “full integration” of SDF fighters into the Syrian army and the reinstatement of state institutions across the northeast. Kurdish officials say they will outline the terms to their constituents in the coming days.

Regional and International Reactions

Turkey, which considers the SDF an extension of the PKK, welcomed the agreement, expressing hope that it would contribute to “security and peace” across Syria and the wider region. The United States has not publicly commented on the ceasefire terms but continues counter‑ISIS operations in eastern Syria following recent attacks on US personnel.

Humanitarian organisations warn that the displacement caused by the fighting, combined with winter conditions, has left tens of thousands in urgent need of assistance.

Uncertain Road Ahead

While the ceasefire marks a significant pause in hostilities, its durability remains uncertain. Continued skirmishes, competing territorial claims, and unresolved political grievances threaten to undermine the agreement.

For now, residents in parts of Raqqa, Hasakah, and Deir ez‑Zor have welcomed the lull in violence, though many remain wary of what the new political order will bring.