He Syrian Ministry of Defense announced this Saturday a 15-day extension of the ceasefire, which will come into force starting at 11:00 p.m. on January 24. The official statement does not explicitly mention the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)the Kurdish-Arab coalition that controls much of the northeast of the country, although the measure occurs within the framework of the truce agreed between both parties on January 19.
According to Damascus, the decision seeks facilitate a led operation to transfer prisoners of the Islamic State from northeastern Syria to Iraqi territory. In the last few hours, Washington confirmed the sending of 150 suspects, a sensitive movement that requires, according to the Syrian authorities, a context of less military activity in the area.
Previous warnings and cross accusations
Before the announcement of the extension, the Operations Command of the Syrian Armed Forces issued a statement warning the SDF and militias linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) of the risk of continuing with what he described as violations of the ceasefire.
Damascus maintains that These actions endanger the stability achieved after the initial agreement and thus justifies his warning tone. However, from the other side of the front, the version is very different.
This same Saturday, the SDF denounced that the Syrian Army continues to attack its positions in the northeast of the country, which, in its opinion, represents a direct violation of the ceasefire signed last week. The organization ensures that the truce is in serious danger if the bombing and harassment do not stop immediately.
The Islamic State factor and the role of the United States
The background of the extension is closely linked to the management of Islamic State fighters and prisoners held in centers controlled by the FDS. For years, these prisons and camps – like Al Hol – have been one of the main focuses of international concern due to the risk of escapes and radicalization.
The United States, a key ally of the SDF, has intensified efforts to reduce pressure on these facilities, transferring some of the detainees to Iraq. For Damascus, the extension of the ceasefire makes it possible to avoid armed incidents during a particularly delicate logistical operation.
However, the SDF and its allies have gone further and have denounced that elements of the Islamic State would be fighting alongside the forces of Damascusa serious accusation that the Syrian Government has not publicly acknowledged. These forces are led by transitional president Ahmed al Shara, a former jihadist leader whose figure continues to generate distrust among local and international actors.
Humanitarian corridors in Hasaka
Along with the extension of the ceasefire, the Syrian Ministry of Defense has announced the opening of humanitarian corridors in Hasaka province. The objective is to facilitate the delivery of aid to the civilian population in coordination with other ministries and organizations involved.
Hasaka is one of the regions hardest hit by years of conflict, sanctions and forced displacement. The opening of these corridors is presented as a gesture to reduce tension and meet basic needs, although humanitarian organizations warn that security on the ground remains fragile.
A fragile truce full of unknowns
The 15-day extension does not dispel doubts about the real viability of the ceasefire. The crossed accusations, the presence of multiple armed actors and the complex prisoner management turn northeastern Syria into an extremely unstable board.
While Damascus insists that the measure seeks stability and timely cooperation, the SDF demands real guarantees that the attacks will stop. In the middle, the United States is trying to advance the issue of the Islamic State without causing a further escalation.
