Damascus, Syria – The Syrian government issued a statement on Tuesday giving the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) a four-day ultimatum to agree to the integration of the last remaining enclave
under their control into the central government
This move represents a significant shift in the military and political balance in northern Syria.
Damascus confirmed in an official statement that it had reached an understanding
with the Kurdish forces that includes an integration plan for Hasakah province.
It also indicated that failure to comply with the deadline would expose the two Kurdish-held cities to an assault by Syrian government forces.
The government declared a four-day ceasefire. In return, it requested that the Kurds nominate a candidate
for the position of Deputy Minister of Defense as part of the integration process.
This move came at a time when US support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) appeared to be waning.
Former US envoy Tom Barrack said in a social media post that the merger represented the Kurds’ “greatest opportunity” in Syria.
He added that the SDF’s original purpose, as a counterweight to the Islamic State, had largely been fulfilled.
He also asserted that Washington no longer had a long-term interest in maintaining a presence in Syria.
For its part, the SDF, which has lost significant territory to advancing government forces in recent days,
announced its acceptance of the ceasefire agreement with Damascus.
It confirmed that it would not participate in any military operations unless directly attacked.
This rapid retreat represents the most significant shift in territorial control since 2014.
It also raises questions about the future of facilities holding Islamic State detainees.
Furthermore, it raises questions about its impact on the balance of power in northern Syria.
