Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to merge with Syrian institutions under new agreement PHOTO

The new Syrian authorities have announced an agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (primarily made up of members of PKK/YPG - ed.) to integrate the group into state institutions.

According to a report by Al Jazeera, if fully implemented, the agreement would bring the territory under SDF control back under the full authority of the Syrian central government, per Caliber.Az.

The agreement was signed by Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi. The document affirms Syria's territorial unity and outlines that all civilian and military institutions in northeastern Syria, including border crossings, airports, and oil and gas fields, will be merged into the administration of the Syrian state.

The Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the US, have controlled a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Syria since 2015. The agreement stipulates a nationwide ceasefire and pledges support for the Democratic Forces of Syria in their fight against pro-Assad militants. It also recognizes the Kurdish people as an integral part of Syria, ensuring their right to citizenship and constitutional guarantees.

However, the precise constitutional status of the territory currently administered by the SDF remains unclear. It is yet to be determined whether it will retain any degree of autonomy. Given Syria's complex ethnic and religious makeup, the agreement may prompt demands from other groups for special status.

Meanwhile, Syria's Defence Ministry announced on Monday, March 10, that a military operation against supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad had concluded. More than 1,000 people, the majority of them civilians, were killed during the clashes.

Defence Ministry spokesman Hassan Abdul Ghani stated that government institutions would now resume operations and provide essential services.

“We are paving the way for the return of life to normalcy and the consolidation of security and stability,” he said.

He further emphasized that efforts to eliminate any remaining threats posed by Assad loyalists would continue.

On Sunday, March 9, al-Sharaa pledged to hold accountable those responsible for the recent violent clashes. He vowed to prosecute any individuals who had exceeded their authority in the conflict.

Al-Sharaa's office also confirmed the formation of an independent committee tasked with investigating the clashes and related killings by both sides. Abdul Ghani assured that security forces would fully cooperate with the investigation, providing unrestricted access to clarify events, verify facts, and ensure justice for victims.

“We were able to repel the attacks of the remnants of the former regime and its officers. We destroyed their element of surprise and were able to push them away from vital centres, securing most of the main roads,” Abdul Ghani said.

Although there had been relative calm since Assad's ouster in December, violence has surged in recent days due to a series of ambushes by Assad supporters targeting forces aligned with the new government. The situation has escalated into retaliatory attacks against Alawites, a community that held significant influence under Assad’s rule.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that over 1,000 people were killed in just two days of fighting, including 745 civilians, 125 Syrian security personnel, and 148 fighters loyal to Assad.

By Tamilla Hasanova