Syria agrees ceasefire with Kurdish-led forces after two weeks of clashes

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete January 18, 2026 at 06:49 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Syria and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have agreed to an immediate nationwide ceasefire after two weeks of clashes. The agreement, announced by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, aims to integrate the SDF into Syria's military and state institutions and reassert government control over the northeastern governorates of al-Hasakah, Deir Ezzor, and Raqqa. Under the deal, Syrian authorities will take control of civilian institutions, border crossings, and oil fields previously managed by the SDF. In return, Damascus pledged to recognize Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights, including official language status and national holiday recognition. The agreement, brokered with the help of the US special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, follows a previous failed integration effort and recent Syrian government advances into SDF-held territory.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

France 30% al-Hasakah 40% Raqqa ×240% Deir Ezzor 40% Mazloum Abdi ×250% Tom Barrack ×250% Islamic State (ISIS) ×350% United States ×260% Damascus ×360% Ahmed al-Sharaa ×470% Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ×680% Syria ×1090%

Keywords

ceasefire 100% syrian democratic forces 90% sdf integration 80% syria 80% kurdish rights 70% islamic state 60% autonomous administration 50% us-led coalition 50% state institutions 40% oil facilities 40%