Syria–SDG Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement (2025), signed on 7 October 2025 in Damascus between Syrian Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Murhaf Abu Kasra and Mazlum Abdi, a leading figure of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), is a comprehensive ceasefire arrangement that covers all front lines in northern and northeastern Syria and entered into immediate effect.
Background
Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024 in Syria, a provisional government was established under the leadership of Ahmed al-Shara. During this period, negotiations facilitated by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) resulted in an agreement on 10 March 2025 integrating the SDF into state institutions. However, during implementation, both sides experienced security violations and mutual accusations.
In October, renewed intense fighting in northern neighborhoods of Aleppo halted progress on the March agreement. The Syrian government continued its diplomatic efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity following these events.
Aleppo Clashes
On 6 October at around 23:00, the terrorist organization operating under the name SDF, namely PKK/YPG, targeted Syrian security forces and civilians in the Eshrefiyye and Sheikh Maksud neighborhoods of Aleppo using snipers positioned on high-rise buildings and rocket attacks. The group targeted the vegetable market in the city center of Bustan Kasr and the area around the Rahman Mosque with rocket fire, while gunfire was heard from multiple points across the city.
Syrian Ministry of Interior Spokesperson Nureddin Baba stated that 25 civilians were injured in the attacks and that numerous homes and vehicles in several neighborhoods sustained damage. Local sources reported that rocket shells struck neighborhood parks and residential areas, resulting in the death of a guard.
In the aftermath, the Syrian army intensified security measures across Aleppo, establishing new checkpoints to control access and egress to neighborhoods. The Aleppo Governorate announced the temporary suspension of public institutions and educational activities in the city.
Announcement of the Ceasefire
On 7 October 2025, Syrian Minister of Defense Murhaf Abu Kasra announced after talks with Mazlum Abdi in Damascus that a comprehensive ceasefire covering all front lines in northern and northeastern Syria had been agreed upon. Abu Kasra stated on his social media account that the agreement had entered into immediate effect.
On the same day, the Syrian Ministry of Defense emphasized in its statement that military movements in northern regions constituted a “planned redeployment” and that no new military operation was being prepared. The statement included the phrase: “We are committed to the 10 March Agreement and have no intention of any military operation.”
On the day the ceasefire was announced, Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara met in Damascus with U.S. representative Tom Barrack to discuss the implementation of the 10 March agreement aimed at preserving Syria’s unity and sovereignty. According to the Presidential statement, U.S. Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper also attended the meeting.
The statement noted: “The meeting addressed recent developments in Syria, ways to support the political process, and efforts to enhance security and stability.” Discussions focused on mechanisms to ensure the implementation of the 10 March agreement in a manner that upholds Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
