Hebron: French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday welcomed a deal reached between the Syrian government and the YPG terror group, operating under the name Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and pledged France’s support for its full implementation. “I congratulate (Syrian) President Ahmed al-Sharaa and (SDF head) General Mazloum Abdi for having signed this morning a comprehensive agreement allowing a permanent ceasefire and the peaceful integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces within it. France will support its full implementation,” Macron wrote on US social media company X.

According to Anadolu Agency, the agreement marks a significant step towards peace, with France committed to supporting Syria and its people towards stability, justice, and reconstruction in alignment with international partners. Macron emphasized France’s vision for a sovereign, united, and stable Syria that is at peace and respects all its components, fully committed to combating terrorism.

The Syrian government and the YPG reached a comprehensive agreement on Friday, which includes a ceasefire and a framework for the group’s integration into Syria’s military and administrative structures. Earlier, the Syrian Army had initiated an operation against the YPG on January 16 in areas west of the Euphrates River, which later expanded east with tribal forces’ involvement, bringing most of the previously occupied territories under government control.

A prior agreement on January 18 between Damascus and the YPG included terms for the group’s withdrawal from Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, transferring public institutions in Hasakah to state authority, and placing border crossings and energy resources under central government control. However, clashes resumed on January 19 due to the YPG’s non-compliance. The Syrian government announced a ceasefire on January 20, allowing the group four days for integration.