Syria's New Government Declares Ceasefire with Kurdish Forces

Syria's new government has announced a ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This is a major step toward ending over a decade of conflict. The agreement comes as the country's new leadership struggles to control all territory. They took power after toppling former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The SDF controls large parts of northeastern Syria, including key oil fields. A ceasefire could allow the government to extend its authority there without further fighting. The SDF is a U.S.-backed alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters. For years, it was a leading force against the Islamic State group. The Syrian government has long viewed it as a separatist threat. Details of the ceasefire are still emerging. Observers will watch to see if the halt in fighting becomes a lasting political deal.