Summary
Syria's new government and Kurdish forces have reached an agreement that brings Kurdish-controlled areas back under Syrian state control. This decision follows military gains by the Syrian government's forces, which forced the Kurds to agree to terms favorable to Damascus.
Key Facts
- Bashar al-Assad left Syria's leadership in December 2024, and a new government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa now rules.
- The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-supported Kurdish-led militia, previously controlled parts of northern and eastern Syria.
- Sharaa's forces reclaimed territories from the SDF, including important resources like oil fields and gas facilities.
- SDF leader Mazloum Abdi agreed to integrate the Kurdish-led areas back into the Syrian state under pressure.
- President Donald Trump's administration attempted to mediate between the Syrian government and the SDF.
- The agreement means Kurdish fighters will join the Syrian army, and the Syrian government will control key resources.
- Despite some local autonomy in Kurdish regions, the agreement heavily favors the Syrian state's authority.
