The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed an agreement with Syria’s interim government on Monday to integrate its civilian and military institutions into the state, marking a significant shift in the country’s post-war landscape.
Photos released by the Syrian presidency showed interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi shaking hands in Damascus, finalizing a deal that brings SDF-controlled areas in northeast Syria under government administration.
The agreement allows for the transfer of border crossings, an airport, and oil and gas fields into Damascus' control by the end of the year. However, it does not clarify how the SDF’s forces will be incorporated into Syria’s defense ministry, a key unresolved issue.
The move comes as Sharaa faces unrest in western Syria, where mass killings of Alawite civilians have sparked widespread condemnation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the violence, while analysts say the deal with the SDF could help Sharaa consolidate power and reassure minority groups.
For the SDF, the deal is seen as a hedge against uncertainty, particularly amid fears that U.S. President Donald Trump could suddenly withdraw American troops from Syria, ending a decade-long partnership with Kurdish forces against Islamic State.
The SDF has long been in conflict with Turkey-backed armed groups in northern Syria, though Ankara has not yet commented on the agreement.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel may participate in the investigation into a serious incident aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, while investigators examine the motive of the co-pilot involved.
Passengers from a flydubai flight that was diverted to Saudi Arabia after an alleged attempt to crash the aircraft have arrived safely in Israel.
Russia has warned NATO that it would be prepared to use nuclear weapons if the Western alliance attempted to isolate Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea, according to a diplomatic document seen by Reuters.
British counter-terrorism police have arrested a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national as part of an investigation into a suspected plot involving RAF Fairford, an airbase used by U.S. forces for operations against Iran.
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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says the TRIPP project will establish a direct railway connection between Azerbaijan and Armenia and strengthen wider regional transport links.
Afghanistan and Tajikistan have discussed boosting electricity supplies to Afghanistan and plans for a high-voltage power line through the country to Iran, as Kabul seeks greater access to imported energy.
Türkiye has rejected a news report alleging that its intelligence service arranged secret talks between Syrian officials and Hezbollah, calling the claim “entirely unfounded.”
The Gulf is facing mounting pressure across aviation, defence and critical infrastructure as conflict, changing security arrangements and threats to water supplies reshape the region’s risk landscape.
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