Syria Ceasefire Extension Announced Amid US Daesh Operation
Hours after a four-day truce expired, Syria’s defense ministry announced that the Syria ceasefire extension between government forces and Kurdish-led fighters would last for another 15 days.
The ministry said the move was in support of a US operation transferring accused Daesh militants from prisons in northeastern Syria to detention centers in Iraq. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) confirmed the ceasefire extension, emphasizing their commitment to de-escalation and civilian protection.
“Our forces affirm their commitment to the agreement and their dedication to respecting it, which contributes to de-escalation, the protection of civilians, and the creation of the necessary conditions for stability,” the SDF stated.
Over the past three weeks, intense clashes have occurred between government forces and the SDF, with the Kurdish-led group losing significant territory it previously controlled. Earlier on Saturday, the SDF called on the international community to prevent further escalation, warning that government reinforcements in Syria’s northeast indicated a potential new confrontation.
Syria’s interim government initially signed an agreement with the SDF last March, requiring fighters to hand over territory and eventually merge into government forces. Talks in early January failed to progress on the merger, leading to renewed fighting. A revised accord signed last weekend prompted a four-day ceasefire on Tuesday, stipulating that SDF members would integrate individually into army and police units.
The SDF noted that military buildups and logistical movements by government forces suggest intentions to escalate tensions, yet affirmed they would continue to abide by the truce.
State television reported that authorities released 126 boys under 18 from the Al-Aqtan prison near Raqqa, a facility captured by government forces on Friday. The teenagers were transferred to Raqqa and handed over to their families. The prison also holds approximately 9,000 Daesh members, most of whom remain in SDF-run jails. Government forces now control two prisons, while the rest continue under SDF management.
Earlier this week, the US military announced that around 7,000 Daesh detainees would be transferred to Iraq. By Wednesday, 150 prisoners had already been moved to detention centers across the border.
The Syria ceasefire extension aims to maintain stability during these operations while preventing renewed hostilities. Both local authorities and the SDF have stressed the importance of civilian protection as US-led transfers continue and tensions remain high in northeastern Syria.
