Syria's new government

Syrian government: Has reached a ceasefire with the SDF

The Syrian government says it has reached an agreement on an immediate ceasefire with the US-backed Kurdish militia SDF, several media outlets report.

The agreement was reached after several days of fighting in the northeastern parts of the country. The Syrian government forces have advanced in Kurdish-controlled areas and are reported to have captured several cities, including Raqqa, which was previously an IS stronghold.

The agreement means, among other things, that the government will take over the rule of Raqqa and the large city of Dayr al-Zawr, writes Al Jazeera, citing state-run Syrian media. The government also wants soldiers and security personnel from the SDF to be integrated into the regular army.

The offensive by the regular army began after fighting took place in the large city of Aleppo at the beginning of the year.

US welcomes agreement: "A brighter future for all"

The US is pleased that Syria and the Kurdish militia SDF have reached an agreement on a ceasefire, special envoy Tom Barrack said in a statement. The agreement paves the way for renewed dialogue and cooperation to unite Syria, he wrote on X.

"Two prominent Syrian leaders [...] have now joined forces to create a brighter future for all Syrians," he wrote.

He thanked President Ahmed al-Sharaa for making the country's Kurds "an integral part" of Syria.

According to the agreement, the government will take over responsibility for areas in the northern parts of the country previously controlled by the SDF. The ambition is for soldiers and security personnel from the SDF to be integrated into the regular forces.