Daijiworld Media Network - Damascus
Damascus, Jan 29: Syria’s Ministry of Interior has ordered the immediate implementation of a new decree granting citizenship to Kurdish minorities, as government forces continue to tighten control across the country following a swift offensive against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab issued the decision on Wednesday, directing authorities to extend citizenship to all Kurds residing in Syria, including those previously registered as stateless, according to reports citing Syrian state television Alikhbariah. The ministry has reportedly set February 5 as the deadline to complete the measures and ensure their rollout.
The move comes two weeks after Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a ceasefire between Syrian forces and Kurdish groups, while also declaring Kurdish as one of Syria’s national languages and promising restoration of citizenship to Kurdish Syrians.
Government forces have since made rapid territorial gains, forcing the SDF to withdraw from several key cities, including Raqqa and Deir Az Zor, strengthening Damascus’ push to reunite the country after nearly 14 years of civil war.
The developments have drawn international attention, with US President Donald Trump reportedly praising the Syrian army’s advance despite Washington’s earlier support for the SDF.
However, reports have also emerged of Kurdish civilians facing displacement and shortages of essential supplies amid continued tensions in northern regions.
Under the decree, authorities have been instructed to safeguard Kurdish culture and language, including allowing Kurdish to be taught in both public and private schools in Kurdish-majority areas. The government has also declared March 21 as a nationwide holiday for the celebration of Newroz, the spring festival widely observed across Kurdish communities.
Meanwhile, President al-Sharaa also met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday to discuss Syria’s future and the continued presence of Russian troops in the country. Putin reportedly praised al-Sharaa’s efforts aimed at stabilising Syria, as Moscow seeks to maintain its strategic foothold in the region following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.