Syrian security chief visits Ayn al-Arab ahead of YPG/SDF integration under new ceasefire deal

2026-02-01 - 22:15

The head of Aleppo’s internal security, Col. Mohammad Abdel Ghani, visited the city of Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) on Sunday as part of preparations to implement a recently reached ceasefire and integration agreement between the Syrian government and the YPG/SDF terrorist organization. According to Syrian state media, the visit aimed to coordinate the entry of internal security forces into the city and discuss the rollout of a new security deployment plan with SDF leaders. Implementation of the Agreement The visit follows Friday’s announcement by Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa that the comprehensive agreement would take effect on Monday, with the newly appointed security director for Hasakah assuming his duties the same day. Under the deal, SDF members will be individually integrated into military brigades under the Defense Ministry, and a new military division incorporating three SDF-affiliated brigades will be formed. The accord also includes the withdrawal of military units from frontlines and the deployment of Interior Ministry security forces into the city centers of Hasakah and Qamishli. Background and Recent Operations The agreement comes after the Syrian Army launched an operation against the SDF on January 16 west of the Euphrates River, later expanding it eastward with tribal support, which allowed government forces to reclaim most territories previously held by the group. The integration plan is framed as a step toward ending internal division and restoring state authority in northeastern Syria.