Syrian Government Temporarily Bans Fighters from Entering SDF-Controlled Areas
The Syrian government has issued an internal circular prohibiting its fighters from entering areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) during the current period. This decision, reported by Syria TV on Wednesday, aims to prevent individual actions that could destabilize ongoing negotiations.
Reason Behind the Ban: Avoiding Unilateral Actions
According to sources, the Syrian government’s directive stems from concerns over potential individual actions by fighters that could jeopardize the fragile situation. The ban will remain in place until the agreement to hand over state institutions is fully implemented and the SDF is completely integrated into the government framework.
Details of the Damascus-SDF Agreement
On the evening of Monday, March 10, 2025, the Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic announced the signing of an agreement between the Damascus government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The agreement stipulates the integration of civilian and military institutions in northeastern Syria into the state’s framework, emphasizing the unity of Syrian territories and rejecting any attempts at division.
Sources revealed that the agreement came after a series of discussions between committees from both sides, facilitated by the U.S. State Department, which encouraged the parties to sign a deal to avoid further security tensions in Syria.
SDF’s Role and Border Discussions
A source from the SDF clarified that, for now, no forces affiliated with the interim government will be allowed into northeastern Syria. However, discussions are ongoing regarding the deployment of units from the Syrian Ministry of Defense along the border strip with Turkey, though no agreement has been reached on this matter yet.
The SDF source also emphasized that the Syrian Democratic Forces will continue to manage the security of ISIS prisons, camps housing the families of the organization, and lead operations against ISIS cells in coordination with the international coalition. Additionally, the return of displaced persons from areas like Afrin, Ras al-Ain, and Tal Abyad will be a top priority for the committees tasked with implementing the agreement’s terms.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Prospects
The agreement between Damascus and the SDF marks a significant step toward stabilizing Syria, but challenges remain. The integration process, border security arrangements, and management of ISIS-related issues will require careful coordination.
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