United States military base in Syria convenes discussion on YPG's departure from Deir el-Zour
The negotiations between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led People's Protection Units (YPG), as part of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), regarding the YPG's withdrawal from the Deir el-Zour countryside and the future of Raqqa and Hassakah provinces are ongoing, but progress has been slow.
According to reports, a deal was reached on March 10, 2025, outlining the integration of the YPG/SDF forces into the Syrian national army, and the Kurdish administration into Syria’s central government both politically and militically. However, the implementation of this agreement has been delayed, with discussions on how to carry it out still unresolved. The target deadline for completion is set for the end of 2025.
The Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has noted that while the YPG publicly declares readiness to implement the agreement, their actions on the ground often contradict these claims. The Syrian government, which has been acting in full coordination with the U.S., has stressed that it will not concede any part of its territory and seeks a peaceful political solution within Syria’s constitutional framework.
However, the process is complicated by regional dynamics, Turkey’s security concerns, and contradictory signals from the YPG. Turkey, which considers the YPG to be a terror group linked to the PKK, has exerted heavy pressure on the Syrian government and Kurdish leadership, including efforts to cancel US- and French-backed talks in Paris that were meant to advance the Kurdish integration process.
Ankara demands Kurdish concessions over Deir el-Zour, especially joint governance and security control, but the Kurds resist relinquishing local security authority until a comprehensive national agreement is reached. The YPG, through its media outlet Ronahi TV, has denied any agreement to withdraw from the Deir el-Zour countryside.
The upcoming consultative meeting in Paris with the YPG is part of ongoing negotiations aimed at full integration. However, the Kurds have made it clear that laying down arms under current conditions is not on the table, as it would amount to "suicide." Instead, Ilham Ahmed, a leader of the YPG, has stated that the March 10 agreement stipulates their integration into the Syrian army, but emphasized that this cannot be in the form of "surrender."
The meeting discussed reaching an agreement on the complete withdrawal of the YPG from the Deir el-Zour countryside. However, the YPG media denies any such agreement, stating that they will not withdraw without a comprehensive national agreement that addresses their security concerns in Deir el-Zour and the governance of Raqqa and Hassakah.
The U.S. and France have reaffirmed their commitment to completing the steps necessary to implement agreements that preserve Syria's territorial integrity. Yet, the ongoing negotiations, marked by delays and contradictory signals, highlight the complex challenges facing Syria's political future.
[1] Syrian Foreign Ministry statement, March 15, 2025. [2] Turkish Foreign Ministry statement, March 20, 2025. [3] Interview with Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, March 25, 2025. [4] Ronahi TV report, April 1, 2025. [5] Ilham Ahmed interview, April 5, 2025.
- Amidst the ongoing negotiations between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led forces, politics, war-and-conflicts, and general news continue to dominate headlines, with various parties expressing different opinions on the implementation of the agreement reached in March 2025.
- As the deadline for complete YPG withdrawal from Deir el-Zour and integration into the Syrian national army approaches at the end of 2025, regional dynamics, Turkey's security concerns, and contradictory signals from the YPG remain significant factors shaping the politics of the Syrian war and negotiations.
