Syrian Army forces begin entering eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside under ceasefire deal with SDF

By Halime Afra Aksoy and Kanyshai Butun

ISTANBUL (AA) - Syria’s Interior Ministry announced on Monday that army units began entering the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor province, along the Euphrates River in eastern Syria, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

“Our forces have begun entering the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor province as part of a plan aimed at orderly deployment across all towns and villages,” the outlet reported, citing the ministry statement.

The move was taken in line with a comprehensive security plan designed to protect civilians, public and private property, and to strengthen security and stability in the region, said the ministry.

The Syrian government launched a military operation last week, regaining areas in eastern and northeastern Syria following repeated violations by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of previous accords.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced Sunday a comprehensive ceasefire and integration agreement with the SDF, with all the group's military formations to withdraw east of the Euphrates River.