In a major step toward stabilizing northern Syria, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) leader Mazloum Abdi will meet officials in Damascus this Monday to finalize a ceasefire and integration deal with Syria's interim authority. The move follows days of intense clashes and rapid territorial shifts west of the Euphrates River.
What’s in the Deal?
The agreement, signed Sunday, includes:
🕊️ Immediate ceasefire and SDF withdrawal to areas east of the Euphrates
⚖️ Damascus assuming control of border crossings, oil fields, and civil institutions
🔒 Safeguards for Kurdish-majority areas’ autonomy and cultural rights
💼 Integration of SDF fighters into state security forces post-vetting
Why It Matters
Abdi called the withdrawal from Raqqa and Deir al-Zour provinces a move to 'prevent civil war' amid rising civilian casualties. The deal also addresses long-standing issues like property rights for displaced residents and the status of former Islamic State detention camps.
Challenges Ahead
While Damascus hails this as its 'most comprehensive framework' since 2025, implementation risks remain. Pro-government forces recently seized strategic sites like Tabqa city and Syria’s largest dam, highlighting ongoing tensions. Tribal clashes in Deir al-Zour further underscore the fragility of peace efforts.
Young Syrians we spoke to on social media expressed cautious optimism, with one TikTok user commenting: 'Finally, a roadmap that doesn’t ignore Kurdish voices 🙌.'
