Syria transitional government extends control over Kurdish northeast

Syria's interim government has significantly expanded its control over the country's northeast following a January 2026 offensive and a new agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), according to a research briefing published by the UK House of Commons Library.\n\nThe 14-point agreement, announced on January 18, 2026, includes the SDF ceding territorial control over Deir al-Zour and Raqqa provinces to interim authorities, while integrating the Hasakah province into central government administration. Under the deal, Kurdish-led forces will become part of a single Syrian armed force, with fighters joining as individuals rather than as units. Oil fields and external borders will also now be administered by the interim authorities, with all non-Syrian PKK fighters required to leave the country.\n\nThe agreement came after fighting between interim government forces and the SDF in Aleppo displaced around 150,000 people. As of mid-January, interim government forces now hold many strategic points, oil fields, and camps holding Islamic State fighters and their families.\n\nInterim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the former Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leader who was declared transitional president in January 2025, has consistently stated that Syrian 'unity is a red line' and that all armed groups must come under central control. Under the new agreement, Kurdish language and other cultural rights are to be protected, though Kurdish leaders have been critical, saying the commitments must be implemented through a permanent constitution.\n\nTurkey's government has responded by calling for the SDF to fully disarm and disband, noting that elements of the SDF are linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The Turkish government recently reached a separate ceasefire agreement with the PKK, adding another layer to the complex regional dynamics.