The Syrian government and the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreed on an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire on all fronts on Sunday (18 January) after days of fighting, as the army advanced into Kurdish-held territories in the northeast, Reuters reports.
The ceasefire will be in parallel with the withdrawal of all SDF affiliated forces to the east of the Euphrates River, according to a document published by the Syrian Presidency on Sunday.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa who signed the deal alone in front of cameras in Damascus, said: "I recommend a complete ceasefire at this time. And I also urge our Arab tribes there to remain calm and peaceful, and to allow for the gradual implementation of the agreement's provisions until we achieve complete peace in Syria,"
The deal entails merging all SDF forces into the defence and interior ministries after conducting required security checks, the statement said.
The government will also immediately and completely take over the Kurdish-held provinces of Deir al-Zor and Raqqa militarily and administratively.
All border crossings, and gas and oil fields in the area, will also be handed over to the Syrian government.
The SDF will be committed to evacuating all non-Syrian leaders and forces affiliated to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) outside of the country.
The document, shared by the Syrian presidency, showed the signatures of both Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF head Mazloum Abdi.
