QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Limited Syrian government security forces have entered the Kurdish-majority cities of Kobani, Hasakah, and Qamishli over the past two days, marking the first on-the-ground implementation of the recent security agreement between Syria’s transitional government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The move comes as part of a gradual plan to integrate the Asayish (Kurdish internal security forces) into the Syrian Interior Ministry’s security structure.
In Hasakah, the Asayish imposed a full curfew from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to ensure the smooth execution of the deployment and prevent any potential friction.
A North Press correspondent said around 100 Syrian Interior Ministry personnel, accompanied by 15 to 16 security vehicles, entered two previously agreed-upon security facilities inside the city. Journalists were barred from covering the operation amid tight security measures.
Security measures
The government force deployed to Hasakah was described as a “limited security unit” with no combat elements. Its primary mission is to take control of official security headquarters and reestablish a state presence in the city center, while Asayish and local forces remain deployed in other areas during the transitional period.
The agreed-upon “government-held neighborhood” in Hasakah was selected as the initial deployment point to ensure a smooth process and minimize contact between local and government forces.
On Tuesday, a similar force entered Qamishli. Brig. Gen. Marwan al-Ali, the newly-appointed head of Internal Security in Hasakah Governorate, stood alongside senior Asayish official Siyamand Afrin, as both sides welcomed the agreement and described the atmosphere surrounding the deployment as positive.
The deployment follows the “comprehensive agreement” announced on Jan. 30, 2026, which represents an implementation phase of the March 10, 2025 agreement between the two sides.
Integration track
The agreement provides for the withdrawal of military forces from contact lines inside and around cities, the entry of Interior Ministry security forces into Hasakah, Qamishli, and Kobani, and the gradual integration of Asayish into state security institutions.
It also includes forming military units comprising SDF brigades in Hasakah and Kobani, handing over oil fields, Qamishli Airport, and border crossings within approximately 10 days, and the start of duties by Hasakah’s new security director next week.
The move is seen as an initial test of trust between Damascus and the SDF, under close public and media scrutiny.