Image Credits: BBC
US-backed Kurdish militias have reached an outline agreement with the Syrian military, mediated by Russia. This deal, announced on August 13, seeks to end a week of intense hostilities in the region, which is crucial for Syria’s oil and wheat production.
The agreement underscores Russia’s strategic influence in eastern Syria, a region that has seen competing control zones among Russian, Iranian, and US forces. Moscow’s mediation highlights its ongoing efforts to maintain a balance between its alliances with Kurdish militias, despite their ties with Washington, and its support for forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Recent tensions escalated when Arab tribal forces, backed by Iran and Damascus, launched an offensive against Kurdish-led groups, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Asayish. The offensive resulted in the capture of two towns in Deir Ezzor province, near a US-controlled oilfield, and caused significant casualties and disruptions.
The new deal mandates a cessation of attacks by Arab tribal forces, including the Lions of the Okeidat and Hafl forces. The agreement also includes an exchange of prisoners, with Kurdish militias agreeing to release 15 fighters in exchange for several government-linked detainees. This aspect of the deal aims to restore stability and facilitate the movement of government forces within key cities like Qamishli and Hasakah, which are predominantly controlled by Kurdish groups.
Russian officers have been instrumental in brokering the deal, shuttling between Kurdish militia leaders and government representatives to mediate the agreement. The deal is expected to ease the blockade on government forces in Qamishli and Hasakah, although some restrictions remain in place as of Tuesday morning.
The agreement arrives amid increased regional tensions, including heightened attacks on US bases in Syria and Iraq by militias loyal to Tehran. These attacks are seen as a direct challenge to US interests in the Middle East, coinciding with a broader regional crisis over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.