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Kurds Hand Over Qamishli Airport to Syrian Authorities

Published February 22, 2026, 09:17
Kurds Hand Over Qamishli Airport to Syrian Authorities

Kurdish forces have handed over the Qamishli airport to Syrian authorities, marking a significant step in the integration of Kurds into the Syrian state. This move comes after pressure from the Syrian army and the handover of many strongholds by the Kurds to government forces. The Qamishli airport, which had been under Kurdish control since 2024, had become a vital hub for the region, especially during the civil war. Returning it under the control of Damascus marks the resumption of regular flights and the restoration of the city's connection with the capital. In addition to the airport, the Kurds are called upon to hand over oil wells, border outposts, and integrate their forces into four brigades, according to an agreement announced at the end of January. This agreement marks the end of the Kurdish autonomous administration in northern Syria. The airport was also used as a Russian military base since 2019, however Moscow withdrew its forces in early 2026. The return of the airport under the control of the Syrian government is expected to contribute to the restoration of stability in the region.