Syria’s military and Kurdish-led forces have agreed to extend their ceasefire for 15 days, offering a temporary pause in fighting as the US facilitates the transfer of ISIL prisoners.
The move brings cautious relief amid ongoing tensions over integration of Kurdish fighters into state institutions.
The Syrian Ministry of Defence announced late Saturday that the ceasefire began at 11pm local time (20:00 GMT) and will continue for 15 days. The extension is designed to support a United States-led operation transferring ISIL detainees from facilities formerly controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The SDF confirmed the extension, highlighting that the agreement “contributes to de-escalation, the protection of civilians, and the creation of the necessary conditions for stability.”
Relief and Ongoing Concerns in Syria
Reporting from Damascus, Al Jazeera’s Ayman Oghanna said the announcement has brought some relief but left many concerns unresolved.
“The ceasefire is welcome, but the central issue that caused clashes—integrating SDF fighters and civil institutions into government structures—remains unresolved,” he explained.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed an agreement with the SDF last March to integrate its forces into Syrian state institutions. However, disagreements over the implementation of this plan recently sparked deadly clashes.
Govt advances amid truce
Earlier this week, a four-day truce was announced after Syrian government forces advanced rapidly, reclaiming SDF-held territories. The offensive brought key infrastructure, oil fields, hydroelectric dams, and detention facilities—including al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa province—under government control.
The ceasefire gave the SDF until Saturday night to propose a plan for integration with Syrian forces.
The US administration, under President Donald Trump, has called on both sides to uphold the ceasefire. On Wednesday, US forces began moving ISIL-linked detainees from Syria to Iraq, with up to 7,000 people expected to be transferred.
“We are closely coordinating with regional partners, including the Iraqi government, and we sincerely appreciate their role in ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS,” said US Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US forces in the Middle East.
