Mazloum Abdi, commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), speaks during the pan-Kurdish "Unity and Consensus" conference in Qamishli in northeastern Syria on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Delil SOULEIMAN / AFP)
Key Facts
• January 18, 2026: Syrian Interim Government announces ceasefire and full integration with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
• SDF fighters to be integrated individually under Ministry of Defense and Interior.
• Administrative and military control of eastern Deir ez-Zor and northern Raqqa transferred immediately to Interim Government.
• Interim Government to manage oil and gas fields in Kurdish regions.
• Since December 2024 Assad regime collapse, repeated clashes between Interim Government and SDF.
• January 2026: Interim Government seized Omar oil field, largest in eastern Syria.
• SDF accepted withdrawal from Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa to avoid bloodshed but plans redeployment in northeastern Hasakah.
• Agreement signed by Interim President Ahmad Ashara and SDF commander, covering 14 points.
• Despite agreement, deep mistrust remains, future integration uncertain.
Summary
On January 18, 2026, the Syrian Interim Government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreed to an immediate comprehensive ceasefire and full organizational integration. This agreement includes transferring administrative and military authority over key eastern and northern provinces to the Interim Government and placing all SDF fighters under national defense and interior ministries. Control of vital oil and gas fields in Kurdish areas, including the strategic Omar oil field, is now under the Interim Government’s management, a critical step for national reconstruction efforts. The deal follows intensified military advances by the Interim Government since early 2026, forcing SDF concessions. However, the SDF’s planned redeployment in Hasakah and persistent mutual distrust cast uncertainty on the long-term success of integration. The agreement, signed by Interim President Ahmad Ashara and the SDF commander, marks a significant but fragile step toward unifying Syria’s fragmented territories after the Assad regime’s fall in late 2024.
