Can Syrian Sunni refugees in Lebanon come back now?
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A struggle for control and territory between the new Sunni-led government in Syria and Kurdish militias has intensified over the last few days, leading to violence, and an eventual take-over by the Syrian state army of SDF-controlled areas.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has signed an integration agreement under which Syrian state institutions will enter Hasakah, Deir ez-Zor, and Raqqa and take over control.
The Syrian government will also take over the border crossings in northeastern Syria, writes Alaraby TV.
CNN actually has a great write-up on the situation here.
Today, President Ahmad al-Sharaa signs a ceasefire agreement and the full integration of the SDF into the institutions of the Syrian state.
The Syrian government will take full control of all border crossings and oil and gas fields in the region, and ensure their protection by regular government forces to guarantee the return of these resources to the Syrian state. Below are some of the main points of agreement signed today.
1- Full integration of all civilian institutions into the Syrian state
2- Transfer of control over all oil fields to the Syrian government
3- SDF members to join the Syrian Ministry of Defense as individuals, not as units or brigades, following security vetting and with guarantees for Kurdish areas
4- Issuance of a presidential decree appointing a governor for Hasakah
5- Removal of heavy weapons from Ayn al-Arab and the formation of a local security force under the Ministry of Interior
6- Syrian government to assume responsibility for prisons and camps holding ISIS members and their families
7- Approval of SDF-nominated candidates for appointment within Syrian state institutions
8- SDF commitment to expel PKK elements outside Syria
9- Syrian state commitment to continue combating the ISIS organization
10- Efforts to reach understandings facilitating the return of displaced persons to Afrin and Sheikh Maqsoud (h/t Clash Report)
US Envoy Tom Barrack put out a statement:
The United States commends the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for their constructive efforts in reaching today’s ceasefire agreement, paving the way for renewed dialogue and cooperation toward a unified Syria.
President al-Sharaa has affirmed that the Kurds are an integral part of Syria, and the United States looks forward to the seamless integration of our historic partner in the fight against ISIS with the Global Coalition’s newest member, as we press forward in the enduring battle against terrorism.
The challenging work of finalizing the details of a comprehensive integration agreement begins now, and the United States stands firmly behind this process at every stage—as we safeguard our vital national security interests in defeating ISIS remnants and advance President Trump’s bold Middle East Peace Plan.
One of the main questions now is the fate of over two million Sunni Syrian refugees in Lebanon, who arrived during the Syrian civil war. Can they go back now? Will the UN and assorted NGOs remove their funding to stay in Lebanon?
