UK Syrians Celebrate Ceasefire Agreement in Northeast Syria
UK Syrians Celebrate Ceasefire Agreement in Northeast Syria between the Government and Syrian Democratic Forces
Syrians across the UK celebrate the ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is set to place control of Syria’s northeastern provinces in the hands of the State.
The Syrian British Consortium welcomes this step towards the total unification of the country under the control of the State, applauds that this process was achieved with minimal military operations, and reiterates its unwavering commitment to the respect of human rights and dignity and the principles of equal citizenship between all Syrians regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds. We remain concerned, however, over reports of violations committed by SDF remnants and call for accountability of those responsible.
Lama is a British Syrian scholar and resident of London, with family in Raqqa. She says, ‘I cannot describe my joy following the liberation of my hometown, Raqqa. For years, my city has witnessed serious violations by the SDF, including arbitrary arrests and policies that led to social division and the erosion of local identity. I hope that the next stage prioritises peacebuilding, social cohesion, and rehabilitation of the region, with particular emphasis on education.’
Dr Ayman Alshiekh is a Syrian NHS doctor residing in Manchester. His experience with the SDF stems from the siege of Aleppo in 2016 (implemented by the forces of the former Assad regime) during which he worked as a doctor within the city’s field hospitals. He says, ‘We have been waiting for this liberation for a long time. When I was in Aleppo in 2016 the SDF supported the Assad regime’s siege against us by attacking civilian areas and sniping civilians along main roads. A few weeks ago, my family in Aleppo re-lived their horror after they launched attacks against civilian areas. The government gave them numerous chances for negotiations and yet they continued to choose to fight. Finally, they are being forced to lay down their arms.’
Anas Aladdin, member of SBC’s Board of Directors, says: ‘We welcome the ceasefire announcement and hope it will mark a meaningful step toward a more stable and prosperous Syria, grounded in equal citizenship and respect for human rights. The Kurdish people are a historic and integral part of Syria’s society, culture, and national fabric, and we hope this development will help preserve and expand civic space for continued advocacy for equal citizenship and inclusive dialogue. At the same time, we are gravely concerned by reports of violations that were committed against civilians by remnants of the SDF, and we call for full accountability for all those responsible for such crimes.’
The Syrian British Consortium
20 January 2026
