Politis

Syria Government Announces New Ceasefire Agreement with Kurds

Published January 20, 2026, 18:14
Syria Government Announces New Ceasefire Agreement with Kurds

The Syrian presidency announced an agreement with the Kurdish forces (SDF) regarding the fate of their stronghold, Hasaka, offering a four-day period to submit a plan for the 'peaceful integration' of the province into the Syrian state. According to the announcement, the army will not enter the cities of Hasaka and Qamishli if an agreement is reached. The agreement provides for the possible assumption of the position of Deputy Minister of Defense by an SDF representative. Despite the ceasefire announcement, SDF leader Mazloum Abdi stated that Syrian government forces continue their attacks in Hasaka province and Kobani. The US special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, stated that the Syrian government is ready to take over the security of prisons holding Islamic State militants and camps housing their families. Barrack emphasized that the US does not want a long-term military presence in Syria and that the initial purpose of the SDF, as the spearhead against Islamic State, has been achieved. This agreement appears to signal a change in US policy, as Washington appears to be withdrawing its support for the Kurds in Syria.