The Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces have agreed to extend their ceasefire into a permanent truce. The deal ends nearly a month of fighting in north-east Syria and sets the stage for Kurdish forces to join the Syrian army through talks, not battle. The agreement resolves tensions over Kurdish autonomy in the region. Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had controlled about a quarter of Syria and its main oilfields, challenging the government's power. Syrian government forces swept through the area, shrinking SDF-held territory by 80%. The SDF pulled back from Arab-majority areas but prepared to defend Kurdish cities when the deal was made. Under the agreement, both sides will withdraw fighters from frontlines. Government security forces will enter the Kurdish cities of Hasakah and Qamishli. The SDF will integrate into the Syrian army, forming a new brigade including three SDF brigades. SDF fighters will also come under government command in Aleppo. Kurdish civilian institutions will be absorbed by the Syrian state. The Kurdish authority, which had run a de-facto autonomous zone for about 10 years, will see its autonomy greatly reduced. The deal promises "civil and educational rights for the Kurdish people, and guaranteeing the return of the displaced to their areas." The agreement states its goal is “to unify the Syrian territories and achieve the full integration process in the region by enhancing cooperation between the concerned parties and unifying efforts to rebuild the country.” US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack praised the deal as a “profound and historic milestone.” He said on X, “This carefully negotiated step, building on earlier frameworks and recent efforts to de-escalate tensions, reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, mutual respect and the collective dignity of all Syrian communities.” This agreement is more favorable to the Kurds than earlier ceasefires and was achieved after strong US and French diplomacy. It marks the near end of Kurdish autonomy in north-east Syria with relatively little bloodshed.