Damascus: Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have agreed to a comprehensive ceasefire in northern and north-eastern Syria, officials reported on Tuesday. The agreement aims to halt recent hostilities and stabilize the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the ceasefire was announced following a meeting in Damascus between Syrian Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi. Abu Qasra shared on social media that both parties agreed to cease all military activities and deployment in the contested regions, with immediate implementation.
The talks in Damascus involved a high-level delegation from the SDF and the Kurdish Autonomous Administration, led by Abdi. The delegation is also set to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaiban under the auspices of the United States.
Joan Mulla Ibrahim, media officer of the Kurdish Autonomous Administration, confirmed to dpa about the ongoing negotiations in Damascus. He emphasized the focus on maintaining the ceasefire, restricting the use of weapons, and fostering stability to avert further conflict.
Recent violence in Sheikh Maqsoud, described as severe by Mulla Ibrahim, is under investigation. He highlighted the importance of national dialogue rooted in Syrian consensus and inclusivity to rebuild after years of conflict.
The clashes in Aleppo began on Monday near the SDF-controlled Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods. Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported casualties among security forces and civilians due to the conflict.
The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted a “cautious calm” in the area post-ceasefire. The escalation followed the Syrian army’s redeployment near SDF front lines, which the defense ministry clarified as a planned maneuver rather than an aggressive operation.
The SDF rejected claims of initiating attacks, attributing the clashes to provocations by government forces. Both Damascus and Kurdish authorities view the ceasefire as vital to preventing further escalation along the northern front.