Syria's President Sees Victory for All as Ceasefire Deal with Kurdish-Led Force Announced
In a surprise move, Syria's government has announced a ceasefire agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led group that had controlled nearly a third of the country. The deal brings an end to tensions between the two sides and marks a significant shift in the power dynamics in Syria.
According to reports, the SDF leader Mazloum Abdi confirmed the agreement on Sunday, stating that his forces would withdraw from Raqqa and Deir el-Zour provinces "to stop the bloodshed." The Syrian government has long sought to assert control over these areas, which are rich in oil and gas reserves and strategic border crossings.
The ceasefire deal is seen as a major victory for President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who signed the agreement on Sunday. Al-Sharaa hailed the deal as a "victory for all Syrians of all backgrounds," saying that it would pave the way for Syria to move towards unity and progress.
However, details of the agreement remain sparse, with no clear timeline on when and how the different elements will take effect. The SDF has agreed to dismantle its forces and integrate into the Syrian military and security forces, while senior officials will be given high-ranking positions in state institutions.
Washington's role in brokering the deal cannot be overstated. US envoy Tom Barrack met with al-Sharaa earlier on Sunday as government forces swept into Raqqa city, and Abdi joined the meeting over the phone. Barrack praised the agreement, saying it would lead to "renewed dialogue and cooperation toward a unified Syria."
The SDF's withdrawal from Raqqa city was marked by celebrations in the streets late into the evening, with crowds waving Syrian flags and setting off fireworks.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the ceasefire deal marks a significant turning point for Syria, one that could have far-reaching consequences for the country's future.
In a surprise move, Syria's government has announced a ceasefire agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led group that had controlled nearly a third of the country. The deal brings an end to tensions between the two sides and marks a significant shift in the power dynamics in Syria.
According to reports, the SDF leader Mazloum Abdi confirmed the agreement on Sunday, stating that his forces would withdraw from Raqqa and Deir el-Zour provinces "to stop the bloodshed." The Syrian government has long sought to assert control over these areas, which are rich in oil and gas reserves and strategic border crossings.
The ceasefire deal is seen as a major victory for President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who signed the agreement on Sunday. Al-Sharaa hailed the deal as a "victory for all Syrians of all backgrounds," saying that it would pave the way for Syria to move towards unity and progress.
However, details of the agreement remain sparse, with no clear timeline on when and how the different elements will take effect. The SDF has agreed to dismantle its forces and integrate into the Syrian military and security forces, while senior officials will be given high-ranking positions in state institutions.
Washington's role in brokering the deal cannot be overstated. US envoy Tom Barrack met with al-Sharaa earlier on Sunday as government forces swept into Raqqa city, and Abdi joined the meeting over the phone. Barrack praised the agreement, saying it would lead to "renewed dialogue and cooperation toward a unified Syria."
The SDF's withdrawal from Raqqa city was marked by celebrations in the streets late into the evening, with crowds waving Syrian flags and setting off fireworks.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the ceasefire deal marks a significant turning point for Syria, one that could have far-reaching consequences for the country's future.