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Syria government and Kurdish SDF agree on integration deal amid later clashes and setbacks
In March 2025, Syria's interim government under Ahmed al-Sharaa and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed an agreement for military and administrative integration by end of 2025. Implementation stalled, leading to clashes in Aleppo and government advances against SDF positions.[1][2]
Why It Matters
The deal aimed to unify Syria post-Assad by integrating the powerful SDF, recognizing Kurdish rights after decades of discrimination, but recent violations risk renewed conflict in the northeast.[1][2][3]
Timeline
9 Events
March 2025 integration agreement declared void
January 17, 2026
Reports state the March 10, 2025, SDF integration agreement is void after government captures Tabqa, violating US-mediated deal on Tel Hafar; plans emerge for major clashes.[3]
Government seizes Tabqa from SDF
January 18, 2026
Syrian government seizes strategic town of Tabqa in Raqqa province from Kurdish forces amid ongoing eastward push; SDF and government accuse each other of violating March agreement.[7]
SDF agrees to withdraw east of Euphrates
Friday (prior to January 18, 2026)
SDF leader Mazloum Abdi states group will withdraw forces east of Euphrates following al-Sharaa's announcement.[7]
Al-Sharaa issues historic decree on Kurdish rights
Friday (prior to January 18, 2026)
Al-Sharaa announces decree granting Kurdish rights, recognizing Kurdish identity, citizenship, and language alongside Arabic.[6][7]
Fierce clashes erupt in Aleppo
Last week (prior to January 18, 2026)
Clashes in northern Aleppo between government forces and Kurdish fighters kill at least 23 and displace over 150,000; Kurdish fighters withdraw.[6][7]
Latakia province massacre occurs
March 2025
Pro-Sharaa militias kill over 800 people, mostly Alawites, in Latakia province.[1]
Al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi sign integration agreement
March 10, 2025
Syrian Caretaker Government President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi sign agreement in Damascus for SDF integration into Syrian state institutions by end of 2025, including ceasefire, Kurdish rights recognition, and state control over oil fields and airports.[1][2]
SDF and allies announce focus on integration mechanism
February 2025
DAANES, SDF, and SDC announce focus on implementation mechanism for military and administrative integration.[2]
SDF-Damascus talks begin
End of December 2024
Talks between NES-Damascus on administrative, military, and security integration begin.[2]