The Syrian government has announced a four-day ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), during which discussions will be held on integrating Hasakah province into the state. Officials say no government troops will enter major cities if a deal is reached.
In a significant policy shift, U.S. Syria envoy Tom Barrack named the Syrian state as Washington’s main partner in the fight against ISIL (ISIS), a role long held by the SDF. He urged Syrian Kurds to accept full integration, stressing that such a move would safeguard their rights.
Facing mounting military pressure, the SDF has agreed to withdraw from Raqqa and Deir Az Zor—two Arab-majority governorates it controlled for years and home to Syria’s key oilfields.
Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway for dozens of ISIL fighters who escaped prison during heavy clashes between the Syrian army and Kurdish-led forces in the north.
SOURCE: Aljazeera
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