The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has effectively capitulated to Syrian government forces in key areas
By Bernie,
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has effectively capitulated to Syrian government forces in key areas of northern and northeastern Syria, according to reports from Syrian media Sunday. A ceasefire and integration framework has been reached following rapid government advances and months of stalled integration talks.
Under the reported agreement, the SDF will hand over all oil fields to Damascus, including major sites in Deir ez-Zor and Hasakah provinces. The SDF had controlled approximately 90% of Syria's oil production capacity. All civilian institutions in Hasakah will integrate into Syrian state structures, ending de facto autonomy.
SDF fighters will dissolve as a unified force and join the Syrian Ministry of Defense individually after security vetting. Heavy weapons will be removed from Kobani, replaced by a local security force under the Interior Ministry. The Syrian government will assume control of ISIS prisons and detention camps holding thousands of suspected fighters and their families, which the SDF had managed with U.S. backing.
The agreement includes SDF commitment to expel PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) elements from Syria, a core Turkish demand. In exchange, SDF-nominated individuals may be appointed to state positions, and efforts will be made toward returns of displaced Kurds to Afrin and Sheikh Maqsoud.
The SDF has withdrawn from positions west of the Euphrates, including Deir Hafer, Maskana, and Tabqa areas, allowing government troops to enter. Some clashes persist near the Thawra oil field. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa noted a planned meeting with SDF leader Mazloum Abdi was delayed due to weather.
The SDF was a multi-ethnic, primarily Kurdish-led military coalition formed in October 2015 to combat ISIS. Backed by the United States, the SDF played a central role in liberating Raqqa and other ISIS strongholds, and at its peak controlled roughly 25 to 30 percent of Syrian territory, including most oil fields and key infrastructure. The force, estimated at 60,000 to 100,000 fighters, governed northeastern Syria through the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. Turkey had long opposed the SDF due to its ties to the PKK.
Topics: Syria, Israeli Politics, Diplomacy
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