Syria Ceasefire Falters as Clashes Erupt After SDF Deal

Fresh clashes were reported in northeastern Syria between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Monday, just a day after a ceasefire agreement was intended to end almost two weeks of fighting. The 14-point agreement, signed on Sunday, aimed to integrate the autonomous region into state institutions and end the conflict.

The agreement stipulated that the SDF would withdraw from Raqqa and Deir al-Zour provinces. According to the BBC, the deal was intended to bring much of the autonomous region under government control.

The ceasefire aimed to unify a divided Syria after weeks of conflict. The SDF had previously resisted relinquishing autonomy gained during the fight against ISIS.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa expressed hope that the agreement would allow Syria to "end its state of division and move to a state of unity and progress," according to the BBC. SDF commander Mazlum Abdi stated that the fighting had been "imposed on us" and that he had accepted the deal.

The renewed clashes are testing the agreement. The current status of the ceasefire remains unclear.