Syria Damascus: ceasefire between government and Kurdish militias
In Syria, the government of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has agreed a ceasefire with the Kurdish-led militias in the north. An "immediate and comprehensive ceasefire" applies "on all fronts" between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the government troops, the state agency Sana quoted from the agreement, which it reportedly received. There was initially no confirmation or reaction from the SDF.
18.01.2026, 18:21
SDA
The US special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, welcomed the ceasefire and spoke of a "decisive turning point in which former adversaries chose cooperation over division".
The reported ceasefire follows an increasing military escalation between the two sides. Government forces recently took control of strategically important areas in northern and eastern Syria. The background to this is a conflict over the degree of autonomy the Kurds still retain in the self-governing north-east of Syria and the extent to which the rulers in Damascus can impose a central government in this part of the country. It is also about access to resources and strategically important areas in the country.
According to Sana, the agreement also provides for the Kurdish-led SDF to withdraw to an area east of the Euphrates River. The Kurdish-led SDF are also to relinquish administration and military control over the provinces of Dair al-Saur and al-Rakka. In addition, all civilian facilities in Hassaka province are to be integrated into state structures. The government is to take control of border crossings and oil and gas fields in the north-east.
According to the deal, SDF fighters are to be integrated into the defense and interior ministries, according to information from Damascus. There has been a dispute over this point, among others, for months and it remains to be seen whether this latest ceasefire can bring lasting relief to the conflict.
