Syrian Government Reasserts Control in Qamishli

In a significant political shift, Syrian government forces entered the Kurdish-controlled city of Qamishli on Tuesday. This move, supported by a U.S.-backed agreement, aims to bring regions previously under Kurdish control back into the fold of the central government, potentially averting further conflict.

The agreement, declared last Friday, seeks to quell tensions between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s regime and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who had earlier lost territories in the region. The entry of the Syrian forces into the city marks a milestone towards achieving national reconciliation after the country's long-lasting civil war.

Eyewitnesses in Qamishli reported that a government convoy proceeded directly to initiate talks with Kurdish officials. Meanwhile, local Arab communities have expressed support for renewed central control, hopeful it will address grievances against the previous Kurdish-led administration. The broader accord includes a phased integration of Kurdish forces into the Syrian military.