Syrian army advances under integration deal, faces mines in key town

Syrian government forces have moved to secure several urban centers in the country's northeast under a new integration agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDG). Military units reportedly established control and restored security in Hasakah and Qamishli in a short timeframe, marking a significant shift in the region's security landscape.

Minefields Halt Advance on Ayn al-Arab

The strategic progress, however, has met a formidable obstacle on the outskirts of Ayn al-Arab, known as Kobani. The army's advance toward the town has been halted by roads and entry points heavily laden with improvised explosive devices and landmines. The threat was made deadly clear when an explosion in the nearby town of Sarrin killed three Syrian soldiers. Military authorities have warned civilians to avoid roadsides and stick to open pathways as clearance teams work meticulously to detect and safely destroy the embedded explosives.

Analyst Hails Deal as a Gain for All Syrians

The military movements follow a political understanding reached between the government in Damascus and the SDG. Commenting on the pact, Damascus-based political analyst Omar Ahmed Shahror described it as a pivotal opportunity. "The agreement between the Syrian government and the SDG is in the interest of all Syrians, including Arabs, Kurds, and Turkmen," Shahror stated. He argued that the deal aims to reunify the country and reactivate state institutions, offering a path away from the shadow of terrorism toward reconstruction and economic recovery.

Hope Replaces Fear in Restored Areas

In areas where the SDG has withdrawn, residents report a tangible change, with the re-establishment of state authority beginning to replace fear with a sense of security. After years of conflict and fragmentation, many express hope for a return to normal life and the chance to reunite with displaced family members. The sentiment was echoed by Nazlı Sheikh Hassan, who lost family members during the war, saying, "Let the state come, let security come, so we can be reunited with our relatives."