A historic meeting between Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi ends deadly clashes in Aleppo, as the Syrian government and SDF move toward integration and political stability.
Syria Announces Ceasefire with Kurds After Aleppo Violence
DAMASCUS — Syria and Kurdish forces announced a comprehensive ceasefire on Tuesday following deadly clashes in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods. The ceasefire comes after a high-level meeting between Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi, with U.S. officials Tom Barrack and Admiral Brad Cooper also attending.
“We agreed on a comprehensive ceasefire on all fronts, and on points for military deployment in north and northeast Syria,” said Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, emphasizing that implementation would begin immediately.
The clashes erupted late Monday, leaving at least one security force member and a civilian dead, prompting residents to flee the area. Despite Aleppo being under Damascus’ control since December, Kurdish units linked to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Asayish maintain de facto control of parts of the city.
Path Toward Political Integration
The meeting focused on integrating Kurdish civil and military institutions into the Syrian state, part of the March 10 agreement. A Kurdish source noted discussions on incorporating the SDF and Asayish into the Syrian army to form a unified force protecting all Syrians.
“We discussed issues aimed at supporting political integration in Syria, preserving the country’s territorial integrity, and creating a safe environment for all components of the Syrian people,” Abdi said.
Barrack confirmed on X that U.S. envoys visited northeast Syria for “substantive conversations” with Abdi, signaling international support for the ceasefire and political process.
The talks also touched on constitutional amendments to ensure representation of all Syrian communities, a step toward addressing Kurdish demands for decentralization.
Context of Aleppo Clashes
The recent clashes highlight ongoing tensions between Damascus and Kurdish authorities, who carved out a de facto autonomous administration during Syria’s civil war. The Kurdish-led SDF has repeatedly called for decentralization, while Damascus rejects this demand.
State media reported that the SDF targeted security checkpoints, while Kurdish residents accused pro-government forces of attempting to advance with tanks, forcing locals to defend their neighborhoods.
Despite these tensions, the ceasefire agreement marks a significant step toward stability in northern Syria, with hopes that integration of Kurdish forces and international mediation can reduce violence and protect civilians.