Shara and Abdi reach landmark accord as SDF forces withdraw east of the Euphrates

Ahmed Shara, the head of Syria’s interim administration (formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Golani), has announced a comprehensive agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) following a critical meeting with Tom Barrack, the US Ambassador to Ankara and Special Representative for Syria.

Speaking to reporters, Shara stated that “all outstanding issues regarding the SDF will be resolved.”

Shara announced that state institutions would soon assume full control over the provinces of Raqqa, Hasakah, and Deir ez-Zor. He also issued a call for calm to the region’s Arab tribes.

Requesting support from the local population for the implementation of the agreement’s provisions, Shara emphasized that Syria remains a unified state and noted that new security personnel would be appointed to regions with special status.

The process of full integration between the Syrian army and the SDF begins

Syrian state media shared the details of the “Ceasefire and Full Integration Agreement” reached between the de facto government in Damascus and the SDF. According to the 14-point memorandum, a comprehensive ceasefire has been declared, effective immediately across all front lines.

Key provisions of the agreement include the withdrawal of the SDF to the east of the Euphrates and the total handover of both civilian and military control in Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa to the state.

The accord, which returns the management of energy fields to Damascus, stipulates that SDF personnel will be integrated into the Syrian Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior on an individual basis following security screenings.

New administrative structures in strategic regions and the PKK condition

Under the framework of the memorandum, a new appointment will be made for the Hasakah Governorship, and the heavy military presence in the city of Kobani (Ayn al-Arab) will be dismantled.

The parties agreed to establish a local security force in Kobani, which will operate under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Interior.

In one of the agreement’s most critical clauses, the SDF committed to the expulsion of all non-Syrian PKK leaders and members from the country’s borders.

Furthermore, the management and security of camps holding ISIS militants will be fully transferred to the Syrian government.

The Damascus administration reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining cooperation with the US-led International Coalition in the fight against terrorism.

Mazloum Abdi: We took this decision to prevent a civil war

SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi issued a message ahead of a meeting planned for Damascus, which was subsequently delayed due to weather conditions.

Abdi stated that the decision to withdraw SDF forces from Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa to Hasakah was made specifically to prevent the outbreak of a major civil war.

Noting that numerous meetings had been held since January 4, Abdi said, “We were confronted with a premeditated war, and our goal was to preempt this conflict.”

Emphasizing that the struggle to protect the achievements of the people and their rights to autonomy would be a long-term endeavor, Abdi added that he would provide a more detailed statement upon his return from the visit to Damascus.

High-level diplomatic engagement between Erdogan and Shara

Following the announcement of the agreement, Shara held a series of telephone consultations with regional leaders, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

According to a statement from the Presidency, Erdogan underscored the importance Türkiye attaches to Syria’s territorial integrity, unity, and stability during the call.

Asserting that the total clearance of Syrian territory from terrorism is a prerequisite for regional security, Erdogan stated that Türkiye would increase its support in various fields, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts.

The two leaders confirmed the strong trajectory of relations between Ankara and Damascus, agreeing to maintain coordination at the highest levels.