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Syria agrees ceasefire with Kurdish-led SDF after clashes in eastern Syria
The Syrian transitional government and US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed a 14-point ceasefire and integration agreement on January 18, 2026, following two weeks of clashes and local uprisings in Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces.[1][3][4]
Why It Matters
The deal ends fighting in eastern Syria, integrates SDF-held areas into state control, secures resources like oil fields, and addresses Kurdish rights, potentially stabilizing the region after the 2024 fall of Assad.[1][2]
Timeline
7 Events
Meeting with SDF leader scheduled
January 19, 2026
Al-Sharaa called on tribes to implement agreement ahead of scheduled meeting with SDF leader Mazloum Abdi.[1]
Ceasefire and integration agreement signed
January 18, 2026
President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced 14-point deal with SDF for immediate ceasefire, SDF withdrawal east of Euphrates, handover of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa, integration in al-Hasakah, state control of resources, removal of non-Syrian PKK members, and recognition of Kurdish rights via Presidential Decree No. 13.[1][3][4][5]
Similar uprising in Raqqa
January 17, 2026
Local uprisings displaced SDF control in Raqqa; Syrian forces deployed rapidly with new police stations planned.[1]
Tribal uprisings displace SDF in Deir ez-Zor
January 17, 2026
Tribal forces and residents took control of SDF-held areas in Deir ez-Zor province.[1][7]
Clashes resume with unilateral ceasefire offer
January 9, 2026
Syrian government declared unilateral ceasefire at 03:00 local time after capturing Ashrafieh neighborhood; Kurdish forces rejected it and fighting continued with shelling and drone strikes.[2]
Integration deadline set for end of 2025
December 31, 2025
Syrian government and Turkey set deadline of December 31, 2025, for SDF to integrate into the state; extension discussed but SDF chief Abdi's Damascus visit delayed.[2]
March 10 agreement signed
March 10, 2025
SDF leader Mazloum Abdi and Syrian transitional government leader Ahmed al-Sharaa signed a US-backed agreement for country-wide ceasefire and integration of Kurdish-led administration.[2]