Qamishli, Syria. Syrian government security forces entered the Kurdish-controlled northeastern city of Qamishli on Tuesday, according to security sources and witnesses, implementing a US-backed deal to bring Kurdish-run regions back under central government control.
Implementation of the agreement
The accord, declared on Friday, aimed to reduce the risk of further conflict between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which lost swathes of eastern and northern Syria to government troops in January.
Reuters journalists reported that the convoy headed to a security zone inside Qamishli for talks with senior Kurdish officials at the de facto political centre of the Kurdish-led administration that emerged during Syria’s 14-year civil war.
Security arrangements in Qamishli
Interior Ministry spokesman Nur Din al‑Baba, speaking in Qamishli, said internal security forces were handed control of the security buildings of the Kurdish Asayish security forces and would deploy alongside the Asayish to maintain security in the city.
“Today the Syrian people won … and we begin a new chapter away from revenge, hate speech and divisions,” al‑Baba said.
Movements in Hasakah and phased integration
On Monday, Interior Ministry vehicles entered the city of Hasakah, about 80 km (47 miles) south of Qamishli.
The January 30 accord foresees a phased integration of Kurdish fighters with Damascus forces. The United States has hailed the agreement as a milestone toward unity and reconciliation after the war fractured the country into rebel fiefdoms.
Background on the SDF and US ties
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces were once Washington’s main Syrian ally and played a key role in the fight against Islamic State militants.
Its position weakened as US President Donald Trump cultivated relations with Sharaa, described as a former al Qaeda commander, who has now brought almost all of Syria back under the authority of Damascus.
Local reaction
Earlier, Reuters witnesses saw hundreds of Arab villagers lining the route to Qamishli, welcoming the arrival of government forces along the highway toward the city outskirts.
What changes do you expect this agreement to bring to security in Qamishli?