SDF–Interim Government Ceasefire Comes into Force in Hasakah and Kobani

ANHA

Hasakah city during curfew.

The ceasefire agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian Interim Government entered into force on Monday, 2 February 2026, with the deployment of Interior Ministry security forces to designated locations in the cities of Hasakah and Kobani.

The comprehensive agreement was reached on 30 January and includes provisions for a phased integration of military and administrative structures from both sides. Under its terms, military forces are to withdraw from contact points, while security units affiliated with the Interim Government’s Interior Ministry are to enter city centres in Hasakah and Qamishli. The agreement also marks the beginning of a broader integration process for security forces across the region.

As part of the deal, a new military division is to be formed, comprising three brigades drawn from the SDF, alongside the establishment of a special Kobani brigade within a division affiliated with Aleppo Governorate. The agreement further provides for the integration of the institutions of the Autonomous Administration into Syrian state structures, including the regularisation of civilian employees.

The accord also addresses civil and educational rights for the Kurdish population and guarantees the return of displaced persons to their areas of origin. It aims to contribute to the unification of Syrian territory and to support national reconstruction through enhanced cooperation and coordinated efforts among all parties.

Speaking in an interview, SDF Commander-in-Chied Mazloum Abdi said that Damascus-affiliated forces would not play a role inside Kurdish cities as per their agreement with the Syrian interim government. He explained that a limited security presence would temporarily enter the security squares of Hasakah and Qamishli solely to reactivate civilian institutions, after which they would withdraw. He emphasised that their local security forces (Asayish) would continue to maintain stability across the region.

Abdi reaffirmed that only a small number of Damascus-affiliated internal security police would be deployed to Hasakah and Qamishli. Their role, he said, would be limited to coordination and integration before their withdrawal back to their designated points.

On Sunday, a delegation representing the Internal Security Forces of Aleppo Governorate visited Kobani, where it met with the leadership of the local Internal Security Forces (Asayish). Discussions focused on the overall security situation, the withdrawal of military forces, and preparations for integrating Kobani’s security forces under the command of the Aleppo Governorate.

A similar delegation also travelled to Hasakah in the Jazira Canton. Meanwhile, the Internal Security Forces in the Jazira Canton announced a curfew in Hasakah on Monday and in Qamishli on Tuesday, citing the need to maintain security, stability and public safety. In a statement, the forces urged residents to comply with the measures, warning that legal action would be taken against any violations.

The agreement has been widely welcomed by the international community. The United Nations, Western countries including the United States, France and Britain, as well as several Arab states such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, described the deal as a significant step towards reducing tensions in north-eastern Syria and advancing stability. They stressed, however, the importance of full implementation and strict adherence to the ceasefire.



PUKMEDIA