Syria President Ahmed al-Sharaa is scheduled to meet Mazloum Abdi, the head of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in a bid to reinforce a newly agreed ceasefire following intense clashes across northern Syria.
The meeting, expected to take place on Monday after being delayed a day due to poor weather conditions, comes after Syrian government troops and allied tribal fighters advanced rapidly from Aleppo toward Raqqa, reclaiming significant territory and pressuring the SDF into accepting a truce.
Government Advances Shift Balance in the Northeast
The latest escalation marked one of the most dramatic shifts in control in recent years, with Syrian forces regaining wide areas in the northeast. The offensive ultimately resulted in a broad agreement that places Kurdish civilian and military institutions under the authority of the central government.
According to Syrian officials, the ceasefire outlines plans for government institutions to return to Raqqa, Deir Az Zor, and Hasakah, alongside the gradual integration of SDF fighters into state structures.
Abdi Confirms Truce, Cites Risk of Civil War
In a televised address on Sunday, Abdi — also known as Mazloum Kobani — confirmed his acceptance of the ceasefire, which had been publicly signed by al-Sharaa. He said the conflict had been imposed on the SDF and driven by multiple actors, adding that further details of the agreement would be disclosed following his return from Damascus.
Abdi stated that SDF forces withdrew from Deir Az Zor and Raqqa toward Hasakah to prevent further bloodshed and avoid the risk of civil war. While acknowledging heavy losses, he said the group would continue to defend what it views as its achievements.
SDF Denies Separatism, Seeks International Guarantees
Senior SDF commander Sipan Hamo told Reuters that the group does not seek separation from Syria and called for guarantees from the United States and other international stakeholders. He rejected claims of Iranian or Russian backing but said he hoped Israel would intervene diplomatically on behalf of Syria’s Kurds.
Damascus Pushes for Full Military Integration
The Syrian presidency said the agreement guarantees the incorporation of SDF fighters into national institutions, including the army. Al-Sharaa urged tribal forces allied with the government to support the deal’s implementation, describing it as consistent with the spirit of a previous agreement reached last March.
When asked by Al Jazeera about the timeline for implementation, al-Sharaa said the current framework builds on earlier understandings but reflects new realities on the ground.
US and Regional Reactions
On Sunday, al-Sharaa met Tom Barrack in Damascus. Barrack later described the deal as a turning point, saying it opens the door to renewed dialogue and cooperation aimed at restoring Syrian unity.
The United States, which maintains several hundred troops in northern Syria, remains focused on preventing a resurgence of Islamic State (ISIL) following a deadly December attack in Palmyra that killed US soldiers and civilian contractors. Washington carried out a new wave of large-scale strikes against ISIL positions last week.
Turkey Voices Support for Damascus
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the developments with al-Sharaa in a phone call, reaffirming Ankara’s support for Damascus. Erdogan emphasized that eliminating terrorism from Syrian territory is vital for regional stability.
Turkey has long opposed the SDF, viewing it as linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Ankara designates as a terrorist organization.