Syria's government has announced a new ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), following the withdrawal of the militia alliance from al-Hol camp, which holds thousands of people linked to the jihadist group Islamic State (IS).
The SDF stated that its forces had to leave al-Hol camp and redeploy elsewhere in northern Syria due to international apathy regarding the IS threat. Meanwhile, the Syrian interior ministry expressed concerns that the withdrawal occurred without coordination with the governing authorities or the US-led coalition against IS.
Efforts are underway to define the future governance of Hassakeh province, known for its significant Kurdish population, with the presidency announcing that the SDF would have four days to develop a plan for the peaceful integration of their areas into the Syrian state. Government forces have assured not to invade cities like Hassakeh and Qamishli, as well as Kurdish villages.
As the SDF commits to the ceasefire and refrains from initiating attacks unless provoked, the arrangement seeks to integrate Kurdish regions under government control while assimilating SDF fighters into state military structures.
This agreement marks a substantial setback for the SDF, which has resisted ceding the autonomy it gained while aiding US-led forces against IS during Syria's protracted civil war.
The recent conflicts have escalated, particularly as the SDF cites international indifference, reflecting on significant turmoil in the region. The agreement also signals a potential shift towards a more unified Syrian state, though underlying tensions remain palpable.
