Syria began deploying security forces in Kurdish-controlled areas, implementing a recent U.S.-backed agreement to integrate Kurds with state institutions and take control of northeastern territories in the war-weary country.

A limited number of police troops entered the city of Hasakah in coordination with the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Kurdish-led group that last month signed a deal with the government to unify the two sides and end their recurring battles.

SDF forces will remain in the city and later become part of the Interior Ministry, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency reported, citing a senior local police officer. A similar number of forces will enter Qamishli on Tuesday, he said. The SDF will also relinquish authority in Raqqa and Deir Ezzor.

State forces have also been deployed in the countryside of Kobani, according to Sana. Kurds represent Syria¡¯s largest minority.

The January agreement was announced after government forces pushed the SDF out of multiple areas. It has renewed a commitment to merge the group with the state after a previous unification deal signed in March was undercut by violence.

Syrian Interior Ministry security forces vehicles prepare to enter the city of Hasakah in northeastern Syria, in Al-hasakah, Syria, on Monday. Syrian Democratic Forces forces will remain in Hasakah and later become part of the Interior Ministry, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency reported.
Syrian Interior Ministry security forces vehicles prepare to enter the city of Hasakah in northeastern Syria, in Al-hasakah, Syria, on Monday. Syrian Democratic Forces forces will remain in Hasakah and later become part of the Interior Ministry, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency reported. | REUTERS

The new pact was followed by more deadly clashes and the escape of detainees linked to Islamic State group. The U.S., which has for years supported the SDF, pushed for the group¡¯s integration with the state and the implementation of the agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in a call with his Syrian counterpart, Ahmad al-Sharaa, last week, welcomed the deal, describing it as an important step toward ending the conflict and voicing support for a unified Syria.

Al-Sharaa assumed power early last year after a swift uprising overthrew long-time dictator Bashar Assad in December 2024. The incumbent president has been trying to seize all weapons and dissolve armed factions in Syria, which was ravaged by a civil war that erupted in 2011.