Syria’s Interior Ministry has ordered the immediate enforcement of a new decree granting citizenship to Kurdish minorities, marking a major political shift as government forces consolidate control following a swift offensive against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the country’s north.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab issued the directive on Wednesday, stating that the decree applies to all Kurds living in Syria, including those previously registered as stateless. According to reports, authorities have been given until February 5 to complete the legal and administrative process and ensure its implementation nationwide.
The move follows an earlier announcement by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who declared Kurdish an official national language and restored citizenship to all Kurdish Syrians as part of a ceasefire agreement with Kurdish forces. These steps came amid rapid territorial gains by Syrian government troops, which pushed the SDF out of several key cities, including Raqqa and Deir Az Zor, effectively strengthening Damascus’s control after nearly 14 years of civil war.
Under the decree, the state has also been instructed to protect Kurdish culture and language, including allowing Kurdish to be taught in public and private schools in Kurdish-majority areas. In addition, March 21 has been officially designated as Newroz, a nationwide festival celebrating the arrival of spring.
The developments have drawn international attention, including praise from US President Donald Trump, despite Washington’s earlier support for the SDF. However, concerns remain, as reports indicate that some Kurdish civilians continue to face displacement and food shortages due to ongoing tensions in northern Syria.
Meanwhile, President al-Sharaa has also moved to strengthen international ties, meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss Syria’s future and Russia’s continued military presence, as Damascus seeks stability and global recognition after years of conflict.
