The civil war in Syria has been ended with yet another agreement on the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces with the regular government forces. The announcement of the signing of the agreement has just been announced by Syria Minister of Information. The SDF also confirmed the agreement. US Ambassador to Turkey and Syria Tom Barack applauded the deal and issues a lengthy statement praising both parties. His full statement is being reproduced below.
The agreement marks the end of the internal fighting in Syria which is caused by tribal and ethnic divides. The SDF are driven by the ideal of Kurdish independence but they overplayed their hand when they invaded Aleppo and threatened to march to Damascus. A brief conflict ensued which escalated this year with government forces eventually moving to northern Syria to push back against SDF positions. Fighting between the SDF and the government forces which started earlier this year claimed up to 1000 casualties with both sides taking serious casualties during the fighting.
The ISIS prison camps previously controlled by the SDF have been taken over by the official security forces and many of the prisoners have been transferred to other prisoners while many children have been freed. The camps included political prisoners and petty criminals.
According to the Minister of Information, the SDF will be integrated with the official security forces under distinct regiments. Kurds will also retain their educational rights and employees with the public and government service will be retained. Details are scant.
As of yesterday, the SDF were still in control of the city Al-Qamishli and Kobani. There has been no statement by SDF Leader Mazloum Abdi so far.
Tom Barack’s Statement:
Today’s announcement of the comprehensive agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) represents a profound and historic milestone in Syria’s journey toward national reconciliation, unity, and enduring stability. This carefully negotiated step, building on earlier frameworks and recent efforts to de-escalate tensions, reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, mutual respect, and the collective dignity of all Syrian communities. For the Syrian government, this accord demonstrates a steadfast dedication to genuine national partnership and inclusive governance. By facilitating the phased integration of military, security, and administrative structures into unified state institutions — while ensuring senior SDF representatives have opportunities to contribute at high levels — it affirms the principle that Syria’s strength emerges from embracing diversity and addressing the legitimate aspirations of all its peoples. This approach not only consolidates sovereignty across the territory but also sends a clear message of openness and fairness to the international community. For the Kurdish people, whose extraordinary sacrifices and steadfast resilience have played a pivotal role in defending Syria against extremism and safeguarding vulnerable populations, this moment holds particular significance. The recent implementation of Presidential Decree No. 13 — restoring full Syrian citizenship to those previously affected by historical exclusions, recognizing Kurdish as a national language alongside Arabic, enabling its teaching in relevant areas, and enshrining protections against discrimination — marks a transformative stride toward equality and belonging. These measures correct longstanding injustices, affirm the Kurds’ integral place within the Syrian nation, and open pathways for their full participation in shaping a secure, prosperous, and inclusive future. In this spirit of shared purpose, both sides have taken courageous steps: the Syrian government in extending meaningful inclusion and rights, and the Kurdish communities in embracing a unified framework that honors their contributions while advancing the common good. Together, these developments pave the way for rebuilding institutions, restoring trust, attracting the investment essential for reconstruction, and securing lasting peace for all Syrians. With unity forged through dialogue and respect, Syria stands poised to reclaim its rightful place as a beacon of stability and hope in the region and beyond.
Newsroom
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