DAMASCUS, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian interim authority said Tuesday that its forces have begun withdrawing from the outskirts of the northeastern city of Hasakah under an agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Local media reported that internal security units have been deployed to areas vacated by pro-Damascus forces to maintain public order. The authority added that the SDF has so far adhered to the deal and taken "positive steps" toward its implementation, while officials continue to monitor developments to determine next steps.
The redeployment follows a broader ceasefire and phased reintegration agreement reached in late January between the Syrian authority and the SDF, aimed at easing tensions in northern Syria after weeks of clashes that displaced tens of thousands of civilians.
Under the deal, government forces are to pull back from frontline positions, while interior ministry units take over security responsibilities in urban centers. The arrangement is part of a gradual process to reintegrate SDF-controlled areas under formal state authority.
Hasakah province, which borders Türkiye and Iraq, is strategically important for its agricultural resources, oil fields, and ethnic diversity. Control of the province has long been divided. Since 2012, the SDF has exercised de facto authority over much of Hasakah following the defeat of the Islamic State group, while the Syrian government under former President Bashar al-Assad retained limited security enclaves in major cities.
The latest deal comes after weeks of intermittent clashes and fragile ceasefire arrangements in northern Syria, during which Damascus expanded its security presence in parts of Raqqa, Deir al-Zour, and Hasakah. ■
