The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reached a mutual understanding on Tuesday regarding the integration of the Kurdish-majority Hasaka province, according to the Syrian presidency. According to reports from Turkish outlet T24 and Kurdish media outlet Rudaw, the agreement outlines a framework for integrating SDF-controlled areas into the Syrian state while granting special considerations for Kurdish-populated regions.
Under the agreement, SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi will nominate candidates for key positions, including Deputy Defense Minister and Governor of Hasaka, as well as propose names for parliamentary representation and employment within Syrian state institutions. The Syrian presidency confirmed that both sides agreed to integrate all SDF military and security forces into the defense and interior ministries, with discussions continuing on detailed integration mechanisms. Civil institutions will also be incorporated into the Syrian government structure.
Implementation and Geographic Provisions
The implementation of the understanding was set to begin at 8:00 PM local time on Tuesday, January 20. The Syrian presidency stated that the SDF was granted four days for consultations to develop a detailed plan for practical integration of the areas. If an agreement is reached, Syrian forces will not enter the centers of the predominantly Kurdish cities of Hasaka and Qamishli, remaining instead on their outskirts. Syrian military forces will reportedly not enter Kurdish villages, with only local security forces from the area permitted in those villages according to the agreement.
The timeline and details of the peaceful integration of Hasaka, including Qamishli, are to be discussed at a later date. This arrangement represents a significant shift from earlier demands, as the deal effectively prioritizes Syrian territorial integrity over Kurdish autonomy.
US Position on SDF Role
US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack issued a statement declaring that "the primary purpose of the SDF as the main anti-ISIS force on the ground has largely come to an end". Barrack emphasized that the SDF proved to be the most effective ground partner in defeating ISIS until 2019, noting that "at that time, there was no functional central Syrian state to partner with". He stated that the situation has fundamentally changed now that Damascus is willing and ready to assume security responsibilities, including control of ISIS detention facilities and camps.
Barrack described the current moment as "the greatest opportunity for Kurds in Syria," presenting a path toward full integration into a unified Syrian state with citizenship rights, cultural protection, and political participation. He outlined US efforts to facilitate an integration agreement signed on January 18, which integrates SDF militants into the national army, transfers critical infrastructure including oil fields and border crossings, and hands control of ISIS prisons and camps to Damascus. The US envoy stressed that America has no interest in long-term military presence and prioritizes defeating ISIS remnants, supporting reconciliation, and advancing national unity without endorsing separatism or federalism.
Al-Hol Camp Withdrawal and Security Concerns
The SDF withdrew forces from the notorious al-Hol camp in Hasaka on Tuesday, citing "international indifference toward the issue of the ISIS terrorist organization and the failure of the international community to assume its responsibilities". The camp houses tens of thousands of people, including spouses and children of former ISIS militants, and has long been notorious for dire living conditions and radicalized individuals. The SDF announced it would redeploy forces "in the vicinity of cities in northern Syria that are facing increasing risks and threats".
Syrian state media SANA cited the Syrian Arab Army's Operations Command as claiming the SDF abandoned guarding al-Hol camp and released those held inside, while the Syrian defense ministry declared complete readiness to take control of al-Hol camp and ISIS prisons. The development comes amid reports that around 1,500 ISIS militants were released by Damascus-affiliated armed groups from al-Shaddadi prison in southern Hasaka. An SDF source reported that clashes intensified around al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa, which holds around 2,000 ISIS detainees, with food and water passage now blocked.
Human rights organizations contend that prolonged detention of families at camps like al-Hol exacerbates the humanitarian crisis and increases the risk of further radicalization. The sudden withdrawal followed the breakdown of negotiations between the Syrian government and the SDF, rendering the integration agreement increasingly fragile.