Syrian government SDF agreement: UN support and field clarifications

31 January 2026, 7:41 AM

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دعوات أممية لتنفيذ اتفاق الحكومة السورية وقسد سلمياً - UN calls for peaceful implementation of the Syrian government SDF agreement — U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Syrian government SDF agreement: UN calls for peaceful implementation and rights protection

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to work together to ensure the peaceful implementation of the agreement signed between the two parties, stressing the importance of integrating northeastern Syria into the national fabric while protecting the rights of Syrian Kurdish citizens, according to a statement from his office.

Guterres expressed his appreciation for the efforts that contributed to reaching the agreement, urging all parties to prioritize Syria’s stability, ensure the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of displaced persons, and cooperate in the reconstruction of the country.

In the same context, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria welcomed the agreement, urging the protection of civilians, facilitating the return of displaced persons, and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to northeastern Syria.

Syrian government–SDF agreement: UN calls on all parties to help maintain Syria’s stability — John Samuel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

SDF clarifications on security arrangements and the agreement

SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi confirmed that the core of the agreement reached with the Syrian government involves a ceasefire and ensuring the autonomy of Kurdish areas, explaining that the military arrangements prohibit government forces from entering Kurdish villages and towns, limiting their presence in the cities of Hasakah and Qamishli to designated areas to oversee the integration of forces.

Abdi noted that the Asayish forces will handle internal security, while SDF units will remain organized as military brigades in the Jazira and Kobani regions (Ain al-Arab), emphasizing that the autonomous administration institutions and their staff will continue their work while being administratively integrated into the relevant ministries of the Syrian government, preserving the autonomy of Kurdish areas.

Abdi – Ebdi — Zana Omer – VOA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

He clarified that the implementation of the agreement will begin on February 2, including lifting the siege on Kobani, noting that the agreed-upon provisions will also apply to the Afrin and Sere Kaniyeh (Ras al-Ayn) regions. He also mentioned continued coordination with the Syrian government regarding abductees, prisoners, and missing persons.

Jacques Paquier, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Abdi also revealed that French President Emmanuel Macron personally confirmed the provision of political guarantees for the agreement, calling on the residents of Hasakah to return to their homes, following the announcement by the Syrian government and the SDF on Friday, January 30, of a comprehensive ceasefire agreement and phased integration of forces and institutions.