Syrian Government Sends Security Forces Into Qamishli, Reasserts State Control Under US-Brokered Deal

Syrian government security forces entered the Kurdish-controlled northeastern city of Qamishli on Feb. 3 to implement a U.S.-backed ceasefire and integration agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

“Damascus says forces entering city in northeastern Hasakah province ‘to commence security duties’ under US-backed deal”

Al Jazeera

Multiple outlets report the move follows agreements struck on Jan. 30 and complements earlier understandings.

Al Jazeera

State media and government statements said the deployment was intended to implement the terms of the agreement and commence their security duties.

Sources describe the operation as part of a phased reintegration of Kurdish-run security bodies into Syrian state institutions, intended to end divisions and extend Damascus control across Hasakah governorate.

Field reports provide consistent operational details.

Convoys of Interior Ministry and internal security personnel moved into key government sites and security squares instead of taking routes past the international airport.

Al-Jazeera Net

Leaders and officials set up temporary headquarters.

Sources describe movements of roughly 100 officers in groups of about 15 vehicles, including armored personnel carriers and 4x4s.

Reports detail the handover of state institutions such as the post office, electricity and water authorities, and the civil registry.

The agreement is expected to transfer Qamishli airport, oil fields and border crossings to Damascus within about 10 days.

Kurdish authorities and local residents showed a mix of resistance, cooperation and concern.

“Mansour Al-Maswari ALBAWABA- Syrian Interior Ministry security forces entered the northeastern city of Qamishli on February 3, 2026, under a newly agreed ceasefire and integration framework with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), marking a significant shift in control arrangements in Al-Hasakah Governorate”

albawaba

Several reports say SDF-affiliated Asayish units coordinated movements, raised readiness and facilitated the entry to limit clashes.

Kurdish leaders warned that only a limited internal security presence, not full military forces, would enter Kurdish cities.

Others described fear about living under Damascus control.

Observers cautioned that deep mistrust and the complexity of integrating security institutions make the process slow and fragile.

International and regional actors featured prominently in coverage.

Several outlets described the deal as US-backed or brokered and noted shifting US-Kurd relations.

Anadolu Ajansı

Turkish leaders were recorded welcoming the accord while warning against attempts to sabotage it.

Reporting also mentioned broader political steps tied to the deal, including planned handovers of oil fields and border crossings.

Reports highlighted broader reconciliation efforts involving foreign diplomacy.

Despite largely coordinated entries, risks and incidents underscore fragility.

“A Syrian official said Monday that security forces will enter the city of Qamishli in the countryside of Al-Hasakah province in northeasternSyriain the implementation of an agreement concluded with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)”

Hürriyet Daily News

Local reports mention precautionary curfews, at least one convoy coming under gunfire in Hasakah, and arrests of suspected attackers.

Hürriyet Daily News

There are warnings that integration will be slow given deep mistrust.

Coverage diverges on whether the entry averted immediate conflict or signals a lasting shift.

Analysts in several reports say implementation will be challenging and the situation remains fluid.