Al-Hasaka
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkey have begun implementing an undeclared preliminary agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions along most of Syria’s northern front lines, a source familiar with the matter told +963 on Saturday.
The source described the current de-escalation as a significant first step toward a comprehensive ceasefire between the SDF on one side and Turkey and its allied Syrian factions on the other.
According to the source, preparations are still underway to finalize a mutually acceptable agreement that would establish an official armistice and ceasefire across northern Syria.
While the ceasefire has been in effect for four days, sporadic violations have been reported along some battlefronts. The source noted that Turkey is currently refraining from publicly announcing the truce.
On March 10, SDF’s Commander-in-Chief, Mazloum Abdi and Ahmad al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Interim Government, signed an agreement containing eight key provisions. The most notable points include:
- The integration of military and civilian institutions in northern and eastern Syria into the Syrian state structure, including control over airports, oil and gas fields, and border crossings.
- A formal ceasefire and the facilitation of displaced persons’ return to their homes.
- Recognition of Kurdish citizen’s rights and their inclusion in Syria’s Constitution.
- Participation of all Syrians in the political process.
- Support of the new Syrian administration in combatting the remnants of the Assad regime.
- Implementation of the agreement no later than the end of this year.
Following the launch of “Operation Deterring Aggression”, which resulted in the ousting of the previous Syrian regime last December, Turkish-backed Syrian factions initiated a military offensive against the SDF, During the campaign, they seized control of Mabij and Tel Rifaat in the countryside of Aleppo governorate and advanced toward the outskirts of the Tishrin Dam.
The ongoing de-escalation efforts signal a potential turning point in the region’s stability, though full implementation of the agreement remains uncertain.
