Syria-SDF deal reached as US says partnership with Kurdish-led group 'expired'

The United States has declared its security partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) "largely expired" as a sweeping deal is reached to end fighting with the Damascus government. This new agreement requires Kurdish fighters to integrate individually into the Syrian army, while Damascus will regain control of key infrastructure like oil facilities, border crossings, and prisons. In a major concession, Syrian army forces will not enter Kurdish-majority cities and villages. The deal follows a recent lightning advance by Syrian government troops that exposed the SDF's weakness and forced them back to the negotiating table.