Ceasefire Signed Jan 18 Triggers SDF Withdrawal but Sparks New Clashes
Updated (2 articles)
Ceasefire Signed on Jan 18, 2026 with 14‑Point Terms The Syrian government and the US‑backed Kurdish‑led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed a cease‑fire on Jan 18, 2026, ending two weeks of intense fighting in the east. The 14‑point deal requires the SDF to hand over administrative and military control of Raqqa and Deir al‑Zour, including border crossings, oil and gas fields, and detention facilities, to Damascus. In return, SDF fighters will withdraw to Hassakeh and be individually integrated into the ministries of defence and interior. [1][2]
SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi Confirms Acceptance Mazloum Abdi released a video confirming the SDF’s acceptance of the cease‑fire and its withdrawal obligations, saying the details will be explained to fighters in the coming days. The BBC notes Abdi said the fighting had been imposed on his forces and he would elaborate after returning from Damascus, while the AP reports he could not travel because of bad weather and would visit the capital the next day. Both outlets agree he remains the primary spokesperson for the SDF on the agreement. [1][2]
Syrian Leadership and U.S. Envoy Praise the Deal President Ahmed al‑Sharaa signed the agreement, presenting it as a step toward national unity and centralized decision‑making. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack met with al‑Sharaa, calling the accord a pivotal inflection point and pledging continued support for full integration of SDF forces. The Syrian state news agency SANA published images of al‑Sharaa’s signature alongside Abdi’s, underscoring the formal nature of the pact. [1][2]
Violence Persists as Forces Move Into Former SDF Areas Despite the cease‑fire, BBC reporters observed fresh clashes in the north‑east, including battles around Shaddadi, Raqqa’s al‑Aqtan prison, and Jazira, where three government soldiers were killed. Dozens of SDF fighters died defending prisons, and the Syrian army advanced into previously SDF‑controlled towns, prompting new displacements of Kurdish families toward Qamishli. The AP highlighted celebratory scenes in Raqqa but also noted thousands of Kurdish residents fleeing, reflecting divergent on‑the‑ground experiences. Both sources agree that security incidents and civilian hardship continue to challenge the cease‑fire’s durability. [1][2]
Sources
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1.
BBC: Clashes persist after Syria‑SDF ceasefire deal: Reports fresh fighting in north‑east Syria a day after the 14‑point cease‑fire, details on prison incidents, casualties, and mixed reactions from leaders.
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2.
AP: Syrian government and SDF sign ceasefire with SDF to withdraw from Raqqa and Deir el‑Zour: Describes the signing ceremony, Abdi’s video confirmation, U.S. envoy praise, and on‑ground celebrations and Kurdish displacements.
Timeline
Early Jan 2026 – Hostilities between Syrian army units and the US‑backed Kurdish‑led SDF intensify across eastern Syria for nearly two weeks, setting the stage for a negotiated settlement [1].
Jan 18, 2026 – The Syrian government and the SDF announce a ceasefire, halting front‑line fighting as Damascus seeks to consolidate control over Deir al‑Zour and Raqqa [2].
Jan 18, 2026 – President Ahmad al‑Sharaa signs the 14‑point ceasefire agreement; SDF commander Mazloum Abdi’s signature appears, and al‑Sharaa notes Abdi cannot travel because of bad weather and will visit Damascus the next day [2].
Jan 18, 2026 – Mazloum Abdi releases a video confirming the SDF’s acceptance of the deal and pledges to explain the withdrawal terms from Raqqa and Deir al‑Zour to his forces in the coming days [2].
Jan 18, 2026 – U.S. envoy Tom Barrack meets al‑Sharaa, calls the accord a “pivotal inflection point” toward a unified Syria, and says the United States will support finalizing SDF integration while pursuing broader regional goals; Abdi joins the meeting by phone [2].
Jan 18, 2026 – Residents in Raqqa celebrate the arrival of government forces, while thousands of Kurdish families flee toward Qamishli, reflecting mixed optimism and skepticism about lasting stability [2].
Jan 19, 2026 – Fresh clashes erupt in north‑east Syria a day after the ceasefire, with Syrian army and SDF units exchanging fire in Deir al‑Zour and Raqqa provinces [1].
Jan 19, 2026 – Government troops move into former SDF‑held towns such as Shaddadi; fighting around Shaddadi prison and Raqqa’s al‑Aqtan prison kills dozens of SDF fighters, underscoring volatile security conditions [1].
Jan 19, 2026 – President al‑Sharaa urges national unity and centralized decision‑making as the state reasserts control, while Abdi says the fighting was imposed on his forces and promises a full explanation after his return from Damascus [1].
Jan 19, 2026 – The 14‑point ceasefire details that the SDF will withdraw to Hassakeh and be individually integrated into the ministries of defence and interior, with the government assuming control of border crossings, oil and gas fields, and detention facilities [1].
Jan 19, 2026 – The interior ministry announces deployment of forces to Deir al‑Zour as part of a broader security plan to protect civilians and property; the army reports three soldiers killed in two attacks in Jazira, alleging PKK attempts to disrupt the ceasefire [1].
Late Jan 2026 (planned) – Mazloum Abdi travels to Damascus to discuss ceasefire implementation and oversee the integration of SDF fighters, as stipulated by the agreement [2].
2026 (future) – The Syrian government intends to issue a decree recognizing Kurdish rights and to complete the individual integration of former SDF personnel into the defence and interior ministries, fulfilling the 14‑point deal [1].
External resources (1 links)
- https://sana.sy/en/syria/2291194/ (cited 1 times)