Damascus (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) February 3, 2026 – Syrian government forces from the Ministry of Interior have entered the Kurdish-majority city of al-Qamishli in northeast Syria under an agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). State news agency SANA reported the deployment on Tuesday as part of a ceasefire and integration deal reached on 30 January. The move involves security coordination without military takeover, with convoys positioning at checkpoints alongside SDF patrols.
The agreement followed weeks of clashes where government forces captured SDF territory. Al-Qamishli, in Hasakah province, remains under joint control per the pact. No incidents occurred during entry.
SDF media centre head Farhad Shami confirmed 125 personnel deployed to three city centre points with local Asayish forces.
Details of Syrian Interior Ministry Forces Entry into Al-Qamishli
SANA aired footage of Ministry of Interior convoys entering al-Qamishli Tuesday morning. Vehicles included 20-50 units with armoured support, securing eastern outskirts and airport perimeter. Troops numbered around 125, deployed to predefined zones.
Brigadier General Marwan al-Ali commands the units, ordering compliance with local laws. Deployment follows Hasakah entry Monday.
Background of 30 January Ceasefire Agreement with SDF
The Damascus government and SDF signed a 14-clause deal 30 January, halting fighting after government advances. Terms include SDF frontline pullback, Interior Ministry entry to Hasakah and al-Qamishli, and integration of three SDF brigades into a new army division.
No full disarmament required; Kurds retain local administration. US monitored talks; Russia welcomed as Astana extension.
Strategic Role of Al-Qamishli in Northeast Syria Conflicts
Al-Qamishli borders Turkey, population 200,000 mixed Kurdish-Arab. SDF controlled since 2015 ISIS battles with US aid. City handles oil routes, Rmeilan fields producing 40,000 barrels daily.
Post-Assad 2024 shifts accelerated Damascus reintegration push. Prior 2023 clashes displaced thousands.
Deployment Scope and Coordination with SDF Asayish
125 Interior Ministry personnel occupy three central points. Joint patrols with Asayish prevent vacuums. Airport, borders under shared oversight; no house searches.
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi: "Joint efforts stabilise northeast." YPG flags remain.
Local Reactions to Calm Government Forces Entry
Residents reported no resistance; shops reopened post-curfew. Arab tribes welcomed unity; Kurdish councils urged dialogue.
Kurdish rallies preceded deployment, demanding autonomy guarantees.
Turkish Monitoring of Syrian Government Moves in Kurdish Areas
Ankara considers SDF/YPG PKK-linked, ran 2019-2022 operations. Defence ministry tracked convoys, reiterated disarmament demand. No incursions Tuesday.
US balances Turkish concerns via mediation.
US Military Presence Near Al-Qamishli Deployment Sites
500 US troops base in northeast anti-ISIS. Pentagon noted awareness, unchanged posture. Kobani hosts special forces.
Terms Covering Oil Fields and Border Crossings
Agreement transfers select oil fields, Qamishli airport, crossings to Damascus within 10 days. Revenue split proposed 60-40 central favour.
Grain trade resumes.
Russian Involvement in Facilitating Syrian-Kurdish Pact
Moscow hosted preliminary 2025 rounds. Foreign Minister Lavrov termed it Astana success. Hmeimim airbase patrols outskirts.
ISIS Threat Management Under Joint Security Framework
Patrols target desert cells; SDF-US ops killed 50 in 2025. Army shares intelligence; ISIS detainees stay in SDF prisons.
Local Administration Continuity Post-Interior Ministry Entry
SDF civil councils handle services. Dual Arabic-Kurdish signage. Women's councils active.
UN and International Response to Al-Qamishli Developments
UN envoy Geir Pedersen: "De-escalation welcome." EU noted progress; Qatar, UAE attended signing.
Turkish-Controlled Areas Adjacent to Al-Qamishli
Ras al-Ain strip under Operations Room. Drones monitored entry.
SDF Holdings Beyond Al-Qamishli Under Integration Plan
25% Syria territory, 70% oil controlled. Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, Tabqa dams administered. Gradual central handover.
Syrian Defence Ministry Oversight of Security Deployment
Regular army uninvolved; Interior leads. Spokesman Hassan Hassan: "Sovereignty consolidated."
PYD Political Stance on Limited Forces Entry
PYD secretary: "Pragmatic preserving gains." Youth protests limited.
Humanitarian Access Gains from Stability Pact
UN convoys expedited; IRC aid entered Hasakah. WHO vaccinations planned.
Arab Tribes Support for Joint Security Arrangements
Sheikh Humaydi Daham attended ceremony. Tribes hold Deir ez-Zor east.
US-Turkey Dialogue on Northeast Developments
Incirlik coordination ongoing. Biden-Trump teams briefed.
Russian Air Support at Nearby Qamishli Facilities
Su-24 sorties resumed. No Wagner role.
Scheduled Follow-Up Damascus-SDF Negotiations
Weekly committees; 2027 unity government target. Constitutional inclusion.
Media Coverage During Al-Qamishli Entry Operations
SANA embedded; independents initially restricted. SDF office operational.
Reported Casualties and Infrastructure Status
No incidents; utilities stable. Checkpoints overnight.
Cross-Border Trade Revival Post-Deployment
Ras al-Ain 24-hour operations. Trucks up 20%.
YPJ Integration in Mixed Security Patrols
YPJ commander: "Serves protection goals."
Local Elections Calls Intensifying Amid Changes
April polls demanded; universities active.
Aid Distribution Increases Under New Framework
Red Crescent 5,000 parcels Wednesday.
SDF-US Night Patrols Alongside New Arrivals
Apache support; radio coordination.
Central Command Direction from Damascus
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham excluded; army regular.
Agreement Goals for Long-Term National Unity
2027 government; reforms inclusive.