Syria’s Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi revealed details of the agreement reached with the Syrian government, saying practical implementation will begin on February 2 and will include specific military and administrative arrangements for Kurdish-majority areas.

In media remarks to Ronahi TV on Friday, January 30, Abdi said the agreement followed direct communication with Syria’s transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. He added that its main goal is “to stop the war and protect the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people.”

Security and military arrangements

According to Abdi, the agreement stipulates that Syrian army forces and the SDF will withdraw from all contact lines in Ain al-Arab/Kobani (northern Aleppo countryside, northern Syria) and al-Hasakah (northeastern Syria) at the start of next month. The agreement includes the following points:

• Asayish remain in place: The Internal Security Forces (Asayish), affiliated with the SDF, will be responsible for protecting security and stability in Kurdish cities, while preserving their “special status.”
• Limited entry by Damascus internal security: A limited number of “Damascus internal security” personnel will enter the security squares in al-Hasakah and Qamishli (northeastern Syria) for “integration” tasks only, then withdraw later.
• SDF structure: The SDF will remain in the form of military brigades in the Jazira region (northeastern Syria) and Ain al-Arab/Kobani, stationed at specific points near cities without entering them.

Administrative and services file

Abdi said the civilian institutions formed over recent years will not change. Employees of the Autonomous Administration will be integrated into the relevant ministries in Damascus, while remaining in their jobs.

He added that the agreement includes the return of displaced people to their areas, stressing that what applies to Qamishli will later apply to Afrin (northern Aleppo countryside, northwestern Syria) and Ras al-Ain (northeastern Syria), according to a timeline.

On humanitarian issues, Abdi said work is underway to release all prisoners, fighters and civilians, held by both sides, in coordination with the Syrian government.

International guarantees

Abdi acknowledged public dissatisfaction with some provisions of the agreement, but described it as “the best way to stop attacks and preserve gains.” He urged residents, especially in al-Hasakah, to return to their homes.

On guarantees, he said the United States and France attended the meetings, noting international welcome and contacts that included US President Donald Trump and the French president to ensure the agreement’s implementation.

Abdi concluded by saying he will not take any government post, but will work to form a “political reference” for Kurds in Syria.

What the joint text says

The government and the SDF agreed on Friday, January 30, to a comprehensive ceasefire, as well as an understanding on a phased integration of military and administrative forces.

According to a joint text published by both sides the same day, the agreement includes the withdrawal of military forces from contact points and the entry of Interior Ministry security forces into the centers of al-Hasakah and Qamishli to bolster stability and begin integrating security forces in the area.

Militarily, the parties agreed to form a military division comprising three SDF brigades, as well as a brigade for the Kobani Forces (Ain al-Arab) within a division affiliated with Aleppo Governorate (northern Syria).

The agreement also provides for integrating the Autonomous Administration’s institutions into Syrian state institutions, while retaining civilian employees. It further refers to settling civil and educational rights for the Kurdish community and ensuring the return of displaced people to their areas.

According to the joint statement, the agreement aims to unify Syrian territory, enforce the rule of law, and complete integration in the area by strengthening cooperation among relevant parties and unifying efforts to rebuild the country.