Damascus: Syria on Tuesday appointed an assistant defense minister for the eastern region, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). Assem Ghalyoun, director of media and communications at the Syrian Ministry of Defense, announced that Sipan Hamo was appointed to the post covering the eastern region of the country.

According to Anadolu Agency, the appointment is part of a Jan. 30 'comprehensive agreement' between the Syrian government and the YPG/SDF. The agreement aims to end division in the country and initiate a new phase of integration. It addresses the cities of Hasakah and Qamishli and involves the integration of military forces, complementing a previous agreement signed on Jan. 18.

The latest agreement follows a military operation by the Syrian Army, during which it regained large areas in eastern and northeastern Syria after repeated SDF violations of a March 2025 accord.