Major Shift in Northeast Syria; Ending SDF’s Autonomous Rule of Al-Hasakah, Former SDF Stronghold
Syrian government forces have entered the central city of Al-Hasakah for the first time in years, marking a major shift in control in northeastern Syria. Al-Hasakah (known as Hasakeh), long considered the strongest remaining stronghold of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), is now effectively under state authority.
The move is part of the implementation of a comprehensive agreement between Damascus and the SDF aimed at ending the group’s independent military and administrative role in the region. Under the agreement, security responsibilities are being transferred gradually to Syrian state institutions.
According to local media, a convoy of Syrian forces entered Hasakeh from the town of al-Hol, consisting of dozens of armored vehicles and accompanied by members of the SDF-affiliated internal security force, al-Asayish. No clashes were reported during the deployment. Coalition aircraft continued aerial monitoring, while celebratory gunfire was heard in some neighborhoods, reportedly as civilians welcomed the arrival of government forces.
The Syrian Interior Ministry said the deployment marked the first practical step in the agreement’s implementation. Internal security forces have taken control of central areas of Hasakeh, including key government buildings and traffic centers. In the next phase, all civilian checkpoints previously operated by the SDF will be dismantled.
Officials also announced that full control of Qamishli airport will be transferred to the Interior Ministry, and that al-Asayish will be formally integrated into state security structures. Brigadier Marwan al-Ali, head of internal security in Hasakeh, said all security measures are being carried out in accordance with Syrian law, adding that no parallel security operations will be allowed.
Meanwhile, Syrian forces have also entered al-Shuyoukh, a suburb of Ain al-Arab (Kobani) in eastern Aleppo province, where they have assumed security duties, previously heavy-guarded under the America and Israel in different forms. Authorities say deployments in other areas will be completed within hours. Turkey’s Anadolu Agency reported that the convoy included armored vehicles, security units, ambulances, and communications equipment.
These developments follow an agreement signed on January 18, 2026, between President Ahmed al-Shara and SDF leadership. The deal includes a ceasefire, the phased integration of SDF forces into the Syrian military, and the restoration of full state sovereignty in northeastern Syria.
The Syrian government says Hasakeh was the last major urban center under full SDF control, following earlier withdrawals from Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor. Regaining control of the city is therefore seen as the end of the SDF’s independent military and political presence.
According to officials, civil institutions run by the Kurdish-led administration will be merged into state structures, existing civil servants will retain their jobs, and Kurdish cultural and educational rights will be protected within the constitutional framework. After the process is complete, Damascus will directly control all border crossings, key facilities, and camps, with the exception of some southern areas such as Suwayda.
U.S. Special Representative for Syria Tom Barrack welcomed the move, calling it a historic step toward national reconciliation and long-term stability. Syrian authorities say the developments mark a decisive moment in restoring unity, the rule of law, and state sovereignty after years of conflict.
