Syria announces ceasefire with Kurdish-led forces as president calls it a 'victory for all'

Officials announced a ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces after government advances into SDF-held areas; leaders said the deal includes SDF withdrawal from Raqqa and Deir el-Zour and begins with a halt to fighting.

The Syrian government announced a ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces following a recent government advance into areas held by the SDF. Officials said the agreement would include withdrawal of SDF forces from Raqqa and Deir el-Zour and that fighting on the front lines would stop. State-run media showed President Ahmad al-Sharaa signing the deal and he described it as a victory for Syrians. SDF leader Mazloum Abdi confirmed his group's acceptance in a video statement and was reported to brief his people on the terms. Key facts: - Damascus and the SDF announced a ceasefire and Syria's defence ministry ordered fighting to halt on the front lines. - The reported terms include SDF withdrawal from Raqqa and Deir el-Zour and integration of some SDF elements into state forces. - President Ahmad al-Sharaa signed the agreement and described it as a victory for all Syrians; Mazloum Abdi confirmed acceptance in a video statement. - Abdi was reported as unable to travel to Damascus due to bad weather and was expected to visit the capital the next day to continue discussions. Summary: Officials said the ceasefire pauses fighting and begins a gradual process for transferring control in parts of the north-east. Implementation was reported to start with an immediate cessation of hostilities, and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi's planned visit to Damascus was presented as the next procedural step.