Syria Signs Ceasefire Deal to Reunify After Years of Division

After years of fragmentation, Syria took a significant step toward unity as its transitional government signed a ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces on Sunday.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced the agreement in Damascus, calling it "a victory for all Syrians of all backgrounds." The deal aims to integrate the Kurdish-led SDF into Syria's national military and end the division that has plagued the country since the civil war began.

Tensions had escalated earlier this month when government forces pushed eastward into SDF-controlled territory. The Kurdish fighters initially retreated from front-line positions in Aleppo province as Syrian troops advanced toward critical areas including Raqqa and Deir el-Zour provinces.

These eastern regions hold vital infrastructure like oil and gas fields, river dams along the Euphrates, and border crossings. By the time the agreement was announced, Syrian forces had reached much of Raqqa city, welcomed by local residents.

SDF leader Mazloum Abdi participated in negotiations by phone due to weather preventing his travel to Damascus. His signature appeared on the agreement document alongside the president's, and he plans to visit the capital Monday to continue discussions.

U.S. Envoy Tom Barrack, who met with both leaders, praised the breakthrough. He described it as a moment "where former adversaries embrace partnership over division," emphasizing America's interest in seeing its two key Syrian allies work together.

The Ripple Effect

This ceasefire represents more than just a military agreement. It offers Syrians hope for genuine reunification after over a decade of conflict that left the country carved into competing zones of control.

The deal includes provisions for senior SDF officials to receive high-ranking positions in state institutions, ensuring Kurdish representation in Syria's future government. President al-Sharaa also issued a decree strengthening Kurdish rights across the country.

The agreement transfers control of prisons holding thousands of Islamic State fighters and their families to Damascus, addressing a major security concern for the region. These detention facilities have held former ISIS members since the SDF defeated the terrorist group's so-called caliphate in 2019.

Implementation will happen gradually, beginning with the immediate cessation of hostilities. While no firm timeline exists for full integration, both sides committed to working through the details in coming weeks.

Syria's new leaders, who took power after toppling Bashar Assad in December 2024, now have a clearer path to assert authority across the entire country. A previous integration attempt in March had stalled, but this agreement appears to have stronger backing from all parties involved.

After so much division and conflict, Syria is finally moving toward the unity its people deserve.