Four-Day Ceasefire Between Damascus and SDF

In a written statement released last night, the Syrian Presidency announced that the Syrian government and the SDF terrorist group had reached a joint understanding on a series of issues related to the future of Hasakah province. The statement said the SDF was granted four days to prepare a detailed plan regarding the integration of the areas under its control into the Syrian state and to complete consultations between the parties.

It was also announced that a four-day ceasefire entered into force at 20:00 last night. Should an agreement be finalized, Syrian forces will not enter the city centers of Hasakah and Qamishli but will instead be deployed around their perimeters. The timetable and technical details for the peaceful integration of Hasakah province, including the city of Qamishli, will be addressed at a later stage.

Clear Message from the US to the YPG: “Time for Integration”

US Ambassador to Ankara and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack signaled a new phase in Washington’s approach toward the SDF terrorist group in a statement posted on social media. Barrack issued a direct call to the YPG, the Syrian branch of the PKK terrorist organization, saying: “Integrate into the Syrian state.”

Barrack stated that the SDF’s role as the primary on-the-ground force against ISIS terrorist group in Syria has largely come to an end, adding that “the era of the YPG being the number one partner is over.” Emphasizing that Syria now has a recognized central government cooperating with the United States on counterterrorism, Barrack described the current process as a “historic opportunity” for Kurds.

Details of the Integration Agreement

The US diplomat also referred to the details of the integration agreement signed on January 18. According to the agreement, SDF militans are expected to join the Syrian national army on an individual basis, while strategic assets such as oil fields, dams, and border crossings are to be transferred to the Damascus administration.

Barrack underlined that the United States does not support the continuation of a separate SDF structure, but instead seeks to facilitate a peaceful transition in Syria. His remarks were widely interpreted as signaling a fundamental shift in Washington’s political and military posture toward the SDF.