Syrian Army extends control in eastern Raqqa under ceasefire deal with SDF

Under the terms of a ceasefire and integration agreement reached with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Syrian Army is expanding its control across eastern Raqqa province without encountering military resistance. Advances are proceeding along multiple axes, including from the Tishrin Dam area toward zones between Ayn al-Arab and Raqqa city, from the Ayn Issa junction north of Raqqa, and from Raqqa city toward the Tal Abyad–Rasulayn line near the Turkish border.

Peaceful Handover of Strategic Locations

Syrian forces took control of the strategic town of Ayn Issa, located on the M4 highway, on Monday morning without clashes, securing a vital road link between Ayn al-Arab and Hasakah. The peaceful transfer follows the broader agreement in which the SDF committed to a complete withdrawal from Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor provinces and the integration of its institutions with the Syrian state.

Implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement

The ongoing military movements are part of the implementation of the deal announced Sunday night, which also includes the handover of border crossings, oil fields, and civilian administration to Damascus. The Syrian Army’s advance highlights the rapid territorial realignment in northeast Syria, where the SDF has relinquished control of areas it held for years in exchange for a structured integration process and a halt to hostilities.

Broader Implications for Northeastern Syria

The expansion of state authority into Raqqa—once the de facto capital of ISIS—marks a significant step in Damascus’s efforts to reassert sovereignty over the entire country. The peaceful nature of the takeover suggests coordination between the parties, though long-term stability will depend on the successful integration of local governance, security forces, and diverse communities in the ethnically mixed region.