Map changed in two days: SDF forced to ceasefire, agrees to hand over oil fields and border crossings

Following rapid territorial losses and military pressure from the Syrian Arab Army and allied tribal forces, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) requested a ceasefire and agreed to terms that effectively restore state authority over northeastern Syria. According to the agreement, the SDF will

hand over all border crossings, oil fields, and natural gas facilities to the Syrian government and integrate its civilian institutions with state structures. Non-Syrian PKK members are also to be expelled from the region.

Swift Military Reversals Force SDF to Negotiate

The Syrian Army, supported by local tribal uprisings, launched an operation east of the Euphrates River, quickly recapturing key areas including Tabka in Raqqa, Shaddadi in Hasakah, and full control over Deir ez-Zor province. By the end of the day on Tuesday, tribal forces and the army had largely removed SDF presence from urban centers and strategic points. The SDF reportedly set fire to some of its military sites during the retreat.

Ceasefire Terms: Full Handover and Integration

Under the ceasefire announced Tuesday evening, the SDF agreed to:

Immediately transfer administrative and military control of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces to the Syrian government.

Integrate all civilian institutions in Hasakah province into the state’s administrative framework.

Hand over all border crossings, oil fields, and natural gas facilities to Damascus, with security to be provided by the regular army.

Screen and individually integrate SDF fighters into the Syrian Defense and Interior Ministries after security vetting.

Refuse the integration of former regime elements and hand over lists of ex-regime officers in northeast Syria.

Expel all non-Syrian members of the PKK from the region.

Local Governance and Security Arrangements

The agreement also includes political measures: a presidential decree will appoint a candidate for the governorship of Hasakah, and the city of Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) will be demilitarized, with local civilian security forces established under the Interior Ministry. Responsibility for camps holding ISIS detainees will be transferred to the Syrian government.

Implications for Regional Stability

The deal marks a dramatic shift in the balance of power in northeast Syria, effectively ending the SDF’s autonomous governance and recentering state authority. It also addresses long-standing Turkish security concerns by committing to the removal of PKK-linked foreign fighters. Implementation will now test the capacity of Damascus to stabilize and integrate the region amid complex tribal, ethnic, and political realities.