Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa has taken back large areas in the northeast formerly controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). These territories had been under Kurdish control for over a decade with US support after their fight against Islamic State. The swift government offensive is the biggest territorial change since the civil war ended in 2024. The SDF and Sharaa’s government had stalled in talks to merge the Kurdish forces into Syria’s institutions. A deadline passed with no progress. The US, once a strong SDF backer, now supports Sharaa, who seeks a united Syria. After major losses, the SDF agreed to a 14-point deal reversing most earlier gains. Kurdish fighters must join as individuals, not as separate groups. Control of vital oil and gas fields, prisons, and camps will move to Damascus. Sharaa also reached out to Kurds by naming Kurdish a national language and granting rights previously denied. Still, fighting broke out as government troops moved toward Kurdish-majority areas, upsetting Washington. A sudden ceasefire was declared recently. The SDF has four days to present a plan for full integration into the state. Kurds fear losing autonomy and doubt government promises to protect minorities. US envoy Tom Barrack said the anti-IS mission with the Kurds is over and urged them to join Sharaa’s plan for stability. The shifts strengthen Sharaa but could spark new demands for decentralisation and affect other minority regions seeking autonomy.