The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) finalized terms with Syria’s interim government to hand over control of two strategic areas in the northeast, including parts of Aleppo and the Tishreen Dam.

The agreement follows a recent deal arranged last month by Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, committing to a ceasefire and merging the Kurdish-led force into the newly formed Syrian army. 

The negotiations also included granting Kurds the ability to use and teach their own language, which was previously banned by the Assad regime.

As part of the broader negotiations focused on improving relations, both sides made significant compromises.

The SDF agreed to leave the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maksoud and Achrafieh, which are predominantly Kurdish. These neighborhoods had been under control of the Kurds for the past decade. On Sunday, Syrian government forces started joint patrols with the SDF in Sheikh Maksoud. 

Government forces also took control of the Tishreen Dam, one of the few crossing points across the Euphrates River on the edge of Aleppo. 

In January, the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) attempted to drive out Kurdish fighters from the dam, but failed to do so. With this new agreement, the SNA withdrew from the surrounding territory.

Despite the new agreement, the SDF still controls a majority of eastern Syria, which is among the most resource-rich regions in the country. This deal simply established the foundation for increased presence by the Syrian government in the northeast, and marked a significant step in uniting the country under central rule.