Residents of the city of Tabqa cheer the entry of Syrian government troops. Image: keystone
January 18, 2026, 6:45 p.mJanuary 18, 2026, 6:45 p.m
In Syria, the government of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa says it has agreed on a ceasefire with the Kurdish-led militias in the north. An “immediate and comprehensive ceasefire” applies “on all fronts” between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the government troops, the state agency Sana quotes from the agreement it has received. There was initially no confirmation or reaction from the SDF.
The US special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, welcomed the ceasefire and spoke of a “decisive turning point in which former adversaries prioritized cooperation over division”.
The US special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, (l.) welcomes Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Image: keystone
The now reported ceasefire follows increasing military escalation between both sides. Government troops recently took control of strategically important areas in the north and east of Syria. The background is a conflict over what degree of autonomy the Kurds still retain in the self-governing northeast of Syria and to what extent those in power in Damascus can also enforce a central government in this part of the country. It is also about access to resources and strategically important areas in the country.
According to Sana, the agreement also calls for the Kurdish-led SDF to withdraw to an area east of the Euphrates River. The Kurdish-led SDF should therefore also hand over administration and military control over the provinces of Dair al-Saur and al-Raqqa. In addition, all civil institutions in Hassaka province are to be integrated into state structures. The government should therefore take control of border crossings and oil and gas fields in the northeast.
According to information from Damascus, SDF fighters will be integrated into the defense and interior ministries under the deal. There has been a dispute on this point, among other things, for months and it is unclear whether this latest ceasefire can bring lasting relief to the conflict. (sda/dpa)