🏛️ Ceasefire agreement marks shift in Syrian control over Kurdish regions

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A ceasefire agreement has been reached between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led SDF, marking a significant shift in control over northeastern Syria. The deal includes the transfer of Deir Ezzor and Raqqa provinces to the Syrian government and the integration of SDF forces into state institutions. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack facilitated the negotiations, emphasizing cooperation. However, concerns remain about the fate of thousands of ISIS detainees previously held by the SDF, as the Syrian government assumes control of these facilities.

Key points

• A ceasefire agreement has been reached between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led SDF, marking a significant shift in control.
• The deal includes the transfer of key provinces, Deir Ezzor and Raqqa, to the Syrian government, along with integration of SDF forces into state institutions.
• U.S. envoy Tom Barrack facilitated the negotiations, emphasizing the importance of cooperation over division.
• The agreement raises concerns about the fate of thousands of ISIS detainees previously held by the SDF.

Links

• wiadomosci.wp.pl: Zawieszenie broni w Syrii. Media o porozumieniu pokojowym
• www.vrt.be: Staakt-het-vuren tussen Syrisch leger en Koerdische SDF  | VRT NWS: nieuws
• Handelsblatt: Nahost: Damaskus: Waffenruhe zwischen Regierung und Kurdenmilizen
• Der Tagesspiegel: Nach Vormarsch gegen Kurden: Syriens Präsident sagt Berlin-Besuch ab
• T-Online: Damaskus: Waffenruhe zwischen Regierung und Kurdenmilizen
• Handelsblatt: Syrische Regierung und Kurden schließen Waffenruhe
• Tagesschau (ARD): Syrischer Übergangspräsident sagt Besuch in Deutschland ab
• Tagesschau (ARD): Einen Tag vor Anreise: Syrischer Präsident al-Scharaa verschiebt Berlin-Besuch
• Tagesschau (ARD): Syrische Regierung und Kurden schließen offenbar Waffenruhe
• Deutsche Welle: Siria: presidente anuncia acuerdo con kurdos y alto al fuego
• The Guardian: Syria president claims 'victory for all' as ceasefire with Kurdish-led force announced
• El Mundo: La suerte de miles de presos del IS, en el limbo ante los combates en el este de Siria
• Reuters: Syrian troops consolidate hold after abrupt Kurdish withdrawal
• Al Jazeera: Syria's President al-Sharaa to meet SDF leader Abdi after ceasefire deal
• France 24: End of de-facto Kurdish autonomy as Damascus takes control of Northeast Syria
• Reuters: Kurdish-led force says armed group attacks Syria prison holding thousands of Islamic State members
• El Mundo: Estalla un motín de presos del Estado Islámico en medio de los choques en el este de Siria
• Al Jazeera: Who are the Kurds?
• The Guardian: Kurdish-led forces report clashes with Syrian army at prison holding IS inmates

Facts

• The ceasefire agreement was announced on January 18, 2026.
• The SDF is required to withdraw to the east of the Euphrates River.
• Control of Deir Ezzor and Raqqa provinces will be transferred to the Syrian government.
• U.S. envoy Tom Barrack facilitated the negotiations.

Quotes

• This agreement represents a pivotal inflection point, where former adversaries embrace partnership over division — Tom Barrack
• We will explain the terms of the agreement to our people in the coming days — Mazloum Abdi

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