Large crowds of Syrian Kurds took to the streets in the northeastern city of Qamishli on Sunday to express concern over a newly announced agreement with Damascus that would gradually integrate Kurdish forces and administrations into the Syrian state.
Large crowds of Syrian Kurds gathered in the northeastern city of Qamishli on Sunday to display unity and express concern ahead of the implementation of a new agreement with Damascus.
The deal, finalised on Friday between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces, sets out a phased plan to integrate Kurdish military units and civilian administrations into state institutions. It follows weeks of mounting pressure on Kurdish authorities, who have recently ceded territory as government forces advanced.
Fears of losing self-rule
For many Kurds, the agreement is viewed as a major setback. They had hoped to preserve the self-rule established across much of northern and northeastern Syria after the defeat of the Islamic State group during the civil war — a campaign backed by a US-led coalition.
According to an AFP correspondent, streets in Qamishli, regarded as the centre of Kurdish political life in Syria, were packed with families, students and activists. Demonstrators waved Kurdish flags and held portraits of fallen fighters.
Eighteen-year-old student Barine Hamza said the rally was meant to reinforce Kurdish solidarity, adding that many feared betrayal. “We don’t trust this government,” she said.
Details of the agreement
The agreement extends an existing ceasefire and outlines a framework for the gradual integration of Kurdish security forces and governing bodies. It appears to address some Kurdish demands, including the formation of SDF-affiliated brigades to be stationed in predominantly Kurdish areas.
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi said implementation would begin on Monday, noting that both sides would withdraw from certain frontline positions, including parts of Kobane and the wider northeast. While limited internal security forces would be deployed in Hasakeh and Qamishli, Abdi stressed that regular Syrian army units would not enter Kurdish towns.
Concerns over hard-won gains
Among the protesters was 40-year-old housewife Nourshana Mohammed, who said she joined the rally to defend gains made by Kurdish communities. She credited the SDF with protecting Kurds and defeating Islamic State militants.
From the government side, Information Minister Hamza Mustafa said the agreement requires Kurdish authorities to hand over control of key assets — including oil facilities, border crossings and Qamishli airport — to the state within ten days. He added that SDF fighters would be absorbed individually into newly formed army brigades.
US support waning
The United States, once a key backer of Kurdish forces, has recently signalled that its partnership with them is nearing an end as Washington builds ties with Syria’s new Islamist leadership. At the rally, 53-year-old Leila Kalash echoed a widely shared sentiment, saying the SDF remains the main guarantor of Kurdish rights. “We will not turn our backs on them,” she said.
End of Article
