Syrian Government and Kurdish-Led Militia Seal a Deal to Merge Forces

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Christina GoldbaumJanuary 30, 2026 at 12:06 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

In January 2026, the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reached an agreement to integrate Kurdish forces into the Syrian military. The deal aims to unify Syrian territory and end conflict in the northeast after months of negotiation following the rebel forces seizing power in December 2024. The agreement includes forming a Syrian military division from SDF brigades and integrating Kurdish civil institutions into the central government. This development occurred after a military push by President Ahmed al-Sharaa into Kurdish territory and the United States withdrew its support for the Kurdish militia, shifting its support to the new Syrian government. The SDF, backed by the U.S. for over a decade, had sought greater political representation and territorial control.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Damascus 35% Qamishli 40% Islamic State 40% United States ×260% Ahmed al-Sharaa ×475% Syrian Democratic Forces ×380% Kurdish-led Militia ×385% Syrian Government ×490% Syria ×10100%

Keywords

kurdish-led militia 90% syrian government 90% merger 80% integration 70% syrian democratic forces 70% conflict resolution 60% territorial control 50% united states 50% political representation 50% rebel forces 40%