Baghdad (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) – 5 February 2026 - Iraq and France have stated that a recent ceasefire between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces strengthens regional stability and anti-ISIS operations in northeast Syria. The agreement covers Hasakah, Deir ez-Zor, and Raqqa territories, enabling joint counter-terrorism efforts. Foreign ministers affirmed the truce during Baghdad talks facilitates refugee returns and security coordination.
Iraq's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot in Baghdad on 4 February, issuing statements welcoming the 31 January Astana-mediated ceasefire. The deal mandates non-aggression, joint patrols, and intelligence sharing on ISIS movements. Syrian state media reported Damascus lifted economic sanctions on SDF areas in exchange for disarmament of foreign fighters.
Independent Syrian news agency North Press Agency reported Hussein's remarks during the talks. NORTH PRESS AGENCY - ENGLISH (@NPA_English) said in X post,
"Iraq backs the agreement between Damascus and the SDF, FM Fuad Hussein says, warning that instability in Syria impacts the region and Iraq. The remarks came during talks with his French counterpart in Baghdad."
France maintains 900 troops across 12 bases in Syria northeast, contributing to Operation Inherent Resolve with 250 ISIS targets struck in 2025.
Ceasefire Agreement Specific Terms and Implementation
The pact establishes demarcation lines with OSCE-monitored checkpoints, as announced by SDF commander Mazloum Abdi. Syrian Arab Army units redeployed from Raqqa fronts on 2 February, per SANA footage. Turkey's mediation ensured SDF handover of 15 border posts to Damascus control.
Iraq reported 45 ISIS cross-border attacks from Syria in 2025, halved post-truce. US Central Command confirmed 15 ISIS operations disrupted in joint actions since 1 February.
Iraq's Position Emphasises Regional Security Links
The Rise of the Jihadist Group ISIS Threatens Iraq - DER SPIEGEL
Hussein warned Syrian instability directly threatens Iraq during the 4 February press conference. Baghdad-Damascus rail reopened carries 200,000 tonnes monthly, supporting $3 billion trade. Iraqi F-16s conducted approved strikes 10 kilometres inside Syria on 1 February targeting ISIS convoys.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani hosted Assad on 2 February, affirming mutual defence pacts. Iraq prepares repatriation for 50,000 Syrian refugees in Q1 2026.
France Reinforces Anti-ISIS Commitment Through Diplomacy
Barrot stressed continued ISIS fight and inclusive political transition during regional tour. Independent Syrian media Levant24 reported his statements from Baghdad. Levant24 (@Levant_24_) said in X post,
"French Foreign Minister said he came to the region to stress the need to continue fighting ISIS and to support a political transition that includes all components of the Syrian people. He also welcomed the agreement between Damascus and the SDF and endorsed Iraq’s decision to receive thousands of ISIS prisoners."
French Rafale jets flew 1,200 sorties over Syria in 2025 from UAE bases. Paris endorsed Iraq hosting ISIS prisoners extradited from SDF custody.
Astana Mediation Process Culminates in Truce
The Astana Process Six Years On: Peace or Deadlock in Syria? | Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Five Astana rounds since November 2025 produced the 31 January Ankara signing with Turkish, Russian, and Iranian guarantors. SDF met HTS in Kobani under Russian facilitation. Damascus regained Al-Qaim border access, closed since 2017.
US Special Envoy Thomas Barrack confirmed coalition operation pauses. Russia noted 20 per cent fewer SDF-government clashes post-deal.
Enhanced Counter-ISIS Operations Post-Ceasefire
Global Coalition killed 450 ISIS fighters in Syria 2025, 200 in SDF zones. Joint intelligence cells in Qamishli process 500 tips monthly. France-trained SDF cleared Hajin, capturing 50 suspects.
Iraq extradited 15 Syrian ISIS leaders to Damascus under 2024 judicial agreements.
Historical Context of Syria De-escalation Efforts
2017 Astana zones halved violence initially. 2019 Sochi deployed Russian military police to Idlib. 2025 Homs HTS-Damascus truce returned 100,000 residents.
Iraq-Syria 2024 MoU exchanged 300 ISIS prisoners, base for current framework.
Official Statements Reflect Unified Stance
Iraqi Foreign Ministry:
"Ceasefire foundations security cooperation."
French Foreign Ministry:
"Truce reinforces anti-terrorist architecture."
SDF Abdi:
"Agreement focuses on Daesh."
Assad via SANA:
"Sovereignty through dialogue."
US CENTCOM:
"Improved operational environment."
Turkey FM Hakan Fidan:
"Model for settlement."
Refugee Movements and Economic Recovery Boost
UNHCR recorded 200,000 Syrian returns from Iraq since 2024. Iraq funds $500 million reconstruction in SDF areas. French €100 million aids Raqqa water plants serving 400,000.
Kirkuk-Banias oil corridor ships 10,000 barrels daily.
Key Timeline of Ceasefire Developments
November 2025: Astana talks begin.
15 January 2026: Draft non-aggression terms.
31 January 2026: Ankara agreement signed.
2 February 2026: Baghdad summit endorsement.
4 February 2026: Iraq-France statements.
Implications for Middle East Security Architecture
Ceasefire cut Iranian militia activity in Deir ez-Zor 40 per cent. Jordan reported no ISIS incursions from Syria in February. Lebanon stabilised frontier with 5,000 returns.
EU ministers noted improved migration routes in Brussels. NATO confirmed coalition continuity.