Syrian Government Agrees to Integrate US-Backed SDF from Oil-Rich Northeast and Suwayda into State, Though Suwayda Deal Unconfirmed

The Syrian government has reached an agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which controls the oil-rich northeast and is backed by the US, to integrate all civil and military institutions in the Kurdish-controlled region into the state institutions. The deal was announced by the Syrian presidency and includes the merging of the SDF into the Syrian army, aimed at unifying the country. In a separate development, the Syrian government has reportedly reached an agreement with local leaders and residents of the Suwayda province, which is predominantly Druze, to fully integrate the region into state institutions. This includes integrating the security forces in Suwayda with the Syrian interior ministry, with local police officers to be recruited from the Druze community. The Syrian flag was raised over the governorate building in Suwayda following the agreement, which also stipulates that the government will appoint the governor and police chief for the region. However, the Suwayda agreement has not been officially confirmed. These agreements come amidst efforts to stabilize the country following years of civil war and recent violence in northwestern Syria, which has resulted in significant casualties. The integration of the SDF and the Suwayda province into the state is part of broader efforts to consolidate control and foster national unity.