Syria president claims ‘victory for all’ as ceasefire with Kurdish-led force announced

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Associated PressJanuary 19, 2026 at 03:47 AM

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medium article 3 min

The Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced a ceasefire on Sunday, with the government claiming control over most of the country after dismantling the Kurdish-led SDF, who had controlled the northeast for a decade. Tensions escalated earlier in the month, leading to a government push into SDF-held areas. The agreement stipulates the SDF's withdrawal from Raqqa and Deir el-Zour provinces. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa hailed the agreement as a victory for all Syrians, aiming to unify the country. The US envoy Tom Barrack met with al-Sharaa, with Abdi joining by phone, and praised the agreement. The government has largely asserted control of the Deir el-Zour and Raqqa provinces, critical areas under the SDF that include oil and gas fields, river dams along the Euphrates, and border crossings.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Aleppo 30% Bashar al-Assad 40% United States 40% Tom Barrack ×250% Damascus ×360% Ahmad al-Sharaa ×470% Raqqa ×470% Deir el-Zour ×370% Mazloum Abdi ×480% Syrian Democratic Forces ×690% Syria ×7100%

Keywords

syria ceasefire 100% syrian democratic forces (sdf) 90% government control 80% raqqa 70% deir el-zour 70% withdrawal 60% agreement 60% syria unity 50% bashar al-assad 40%