Syrian Forces Deploy in Hasakah as Ceasefire Deal Takes Hold
The Syrian army has begun deploying troops into the northeastern city of Hasakah, a key stronghold previously held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), marking a significant step towards implementing a US-backed ceasefire agreement. The move comes hours after the SDF declared a curfew in the city, which was seen as a precursor to the government's entry.
Eyewitnesses reported that a large convoy of trucks was spotted entering the city on Monday, with sources close to the SDF indicating that government forces were expected to be stationed in state buildings within the "security zone" of Hasakah. The deployment has been hailed by US officials as a historic milestone towards unity and reconciliation after 14 years of war.
The deal reached between the SDF and the Syrian government includes the formation of a military division that will include three SDF brigades, as well as a brigade for forces in the town of Kobane, which will be affiliated with the state-controlled governorate of Aleppo. The agreement also provides for governing bodies in SDF-held areas to be merged with state institutions.
The Syrian government's efforts to assert control over key cities have been complicated by ongoing tensions and sporadic clashes between Alawite and Druze communities. However, the recent ceding of territory to advancing government troops has created an opportunity for the SDF to integrate with the Syrian army.
For Al Jazeera correspondent Teresa Bo, the deployment is significant, as it marks a major shift in the region's dynamics. "Where I'm standing right now, there used to be a checkpoint run by the Kurdish-led SDF, and it is now being manned by soldiers from the Syrian army," she reported.
The US has welcomed the agreement as a key step towards stabilizing the war-torn country, with officials hailing it as a major breakthrough in efforts to achieve long-term peace. However, concerns remain about the potential for violence and instability in the region.
The Syrian army has begun deploying troops into the northeastern city of Hasakah, a key stronghold previously held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), marking a significant step towards implementing a US-backed ceasefire agreement. The move comes hours after the SDF declared a curfew in the city, which was seen as a precursor to the government's entry.
Eyewitnesses reported that a large convoy of trucks was spotted entering the city on Monday, with sources close to the SDF indicating that government forces were expected to be stationed in state buildings within the "security zone" of Hasakah. The deployment has been hailed by US officials as a historic milestone towards unity and reconciliation after 14 years of war.
The deal reached between the SDF and the Syrian government includes the formation of a military division that will include three SDF brigades, as well as a brigade for forces in the town of Kobane, which will be affiliated with the state-controlled governorate of Aleppo. The agreement also provides for governing bodies in SDF-held areas to be merged with state institutions.
The Syrian government's efforts to assert control over key cities have been complicated by ongoing tensions and sporadic clashes between Alawite and Druze communities. However, the recent ceding of territory to advancing government troops has created an opportunity for the SDF to integrate with the Syrian army.
For Al Jazeera correspondent Teresa Bo, the deployment is significant, as it marks a major shift in the region's dynamics. "Where I'm standing right now, there used to be a checkpoint run by the Kurdish-led SDF, and it is now being manned by soldiers from the Syrian army," she reported.
The US has welcomed the agreement as a key step towards stabilizing the war-torn country, with officials hailing it as a major breakthrough in efforts to achieve long-term peace. However, concerns remain about the potential for violence and instability in the region.
. The SDF guys have been holding their own for so long, but I guess it's time for them to give up control of Hasakah, right? It's not like they're gonna start a war or anything 
. On the other hand, if this ceasefire thing actually works out, maybe we can finally start seeing some progress in Syria after all these years 
.
. But at the same time, I'm not so sure about all these new military divisions being formed... how's that gonna work out? 
. and wot about the whole alawite druse tensions thing? cant they do something to resolve those issues before they start claiming victory 
and now they're trying to implement a ceasefire and get all these groups working together 
it's not gonna be easy but i guess its a start. the fact that the sdf are integrating with the government army is big 
gotta see how this plays out though, there are still a lot of issues in syria that need to be ironed out 
what do you guys think about this development? 
. The SDF's decision to declare a curfew and pave the way for government entry was indeed a strategic move, as it allowed the US-backed forces to consolidate their gains and set the stage for a potential integration with the Syrian army 
. It's essential to recognize that the ceasefire agreement is merely a stepping stone towards unity and reconciliation - the true test lies in the implementation and sustainability of these efforts 
.
. Nevertheless, concerns about potential violence and instability persist, underscoring the need for continued diplomatic engagement and strategic planning 
. A ceasefire deal that's been 14 years in the making and now Syrian forces are deploying into Hasakah 
. It's crazy to think that after all these years of war, they're actually talking about unity and reconciliation 
.
.
. Fingers crossed it works out