Major Step Towards Lasting Peace in Syria: Kurdish Forces Integrated With Government

Jan 30, 2026
International

File Image: Syrian government forces at the start of an operation against SDF in northern Syria earlier this month (collected, Al Jazeera, AFP)

International Desk: PNN

Syria’s Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reached an agreement for full integration with the government. On Friday, the SDF released a statement stating that a recent ceasefire gradually led to a process of integrating Kurdish forces into the Syrian army.

Following this, Syrian state television confirmed the agreement. As part of the deal, Kurdish-run civil institutions will gradually merge with government structures, with immediate implementation, officials said.

The agreement comes after the SDF took control of large parts of northern and northeastern Syria over the past three weeks. It is expected to strengthen the leadership of the interim government and President Ahmed al-Shara.

Under the agreement, the Kurdish forces will withdraw from frontline positions, with government units deployed in Hasakah and Qamishli city centers, and local security forces integrated. One military division will include three SDF brigades, and another brigade based in Kobane (Ayn al-Arab) will be integrated with Aleppo governorate.

The Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria will also merge with the central government. The SDF, which once controlled nearly a quarter of Syria, remains a major political challenge in the country. A preliminary agreement to integrate Kurdish political and military organizations with central structures was reached in March 2025, but progress was limited.

Despite a fairly effective ceasefire last week, both sides accused each other of violations. The Kurdish forces faced pressure to maintain control over their northeastern territories.

U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, called the Friday agreement a “historic milestone,” noting it demonstrates “inclusive integration, mutual respect, and the collective dignity of all Syrian communities.”

Syria’s interim president al-Shara recently spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump by phone, reaffirming commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and political institutions. He also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to ensure Russian military presence in the Middle East.

The agreement ensures the integration of Kurdish forces and administrative structures with Syria’s central framework, considered an important step toward lasting peace and stability in the country.