EU welcomes Syria–SDF deal, urges action to prevent ISIS comeback

The European Union has welcomed the agreement reached between Syria’s government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), expressing readiness to support its implementation and urging all sides to work toward preventing a resurgence of ISIS.

In an official statement, the EU underscored the importance of a comprehensive ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian assistance, protect civilians, and enable the return of internally displaced people.

“Stability in northeastern Syria is crucial for the success of an inclusive political transition in Syria. We call on all parties to ensure the security of camps and detention facilities and to work toward preventing the resurgence of ISIS. The European Union stands ready to support the implementation of the agreement,” the statement said.

The agreement was reached on January 30 between the Syrian government and the SDF militia alliance and предусматривает gradual integration of Kurdish forces and institutions into the state.

The deal followed weeks of fighting during which Syrian government troops retook large areas of northeastern Syria that had been under SDF control for more than a decade.

US envoy Tom Barrack described the agreement as “a profound and historic milestone in Syria’s journey toward national reconciliation, unity, and enduring stability.”

Earlier this month, after suffering major territorial losses, the SDF had agreed to a ceasefire that brought much of the territory it previously held under government control, although clashes were still reported afterwards.

Like a previous 14-point agreement, the new deal provides for the SDF to withdraw from front-line positions, for its fighters to join the Syrian army and state institutions, and for the integration of its administrative and civil structures into those of the government.

In a statement posted on X, the SDF said the agreement also includes the creation of a military division made up of three brigades composed of its members.

The group added that arrangements were reached to protect civil and educational rights for Kurdish communities, as well as guarantees allowing displaced people to return to their homes.

As part of the agreement, control of prisons, as well as oil and gas facilities previously held by the SDF, was transferred to Damascus.

Syrian government forces have already taken over the Omar oilfield, the country’s largest, following the SDF’s withdrawal. Earlier, the army also captured the strategic Tabqa dam on the Euphrates River.

With US backing, Kurdish forces had controlled nearly one-third of Syria’s territory after helping defeat the Islamic State group.

Their recent territorial losses represent the most significant shift in control in Syria since the overthrow of former president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, which brought an end to the country’s 13-year civil war.

Since leading the rebel offensive that toppled the Assad government, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has pledged to reunify the country.

After the ceasefire was reached on January 18, Sharaa said he hoped it would enable Syria to “end its state of division and move to a state of unity and progress.”

He also issued a decree formally recognising Kurdish cultural, linguistic, and civil rights by making Kurdish a national language, granting citizenship to stateless Kurds, and declaring the Kurdish New Year a national holiday.

This marked the first official recognition of Kurdish national rights since Syria gained independence in 1946.

The latest agreement came after months of stalled negotiations over an earlier integration deal reached in March 2025, with both sides previously accusing each other of attempting to undermine the process.

By Tamilla Hasanova