Syrian Government Extends Ceasefire to 15 Days, Backing U.S. IS Detainee Transfer and New SDF Integration Accord
Updated (3 articles)
Ceasefire extended after four‑day truce lapses The Syrian defence ministry announced on 24 January that the four‑day truce with the Kurdish‑led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) would be prolonged for another 15 days, following the expiry of the earlier pause on Saturday [1]. The statement framed the extension as a means to keep hostilities down while diplomatic talks continue. Both sides publicly reaffirmed their commitment to respect the renewed ceasefire, with the SDF issuing a statement pledging de‑escalation and civilian protection [1].
U.S. operation to move IS detainees gains cease‑fire support The extension coincides with a U.S.‑led effort to relocate roughly 7,000 Islamic State detainees from northeastern Syrian prisons to detention centres in Iraq, of which about 150 have already been transferred [1]. In the same period, Syrian authorities released 126 minors from al‑Aqtan prison near Raqqa, presenting the move as a humanitarian gesture amid the broader transfer [1]. Earlier clashes had seen 120 IS members flee Shaddadeh prison, with security forces recapturing 81 of them [2].
New merger framework pushes individual SDF integration revised March agreement signed by the interim government and the SDF calls for SDF fighters to merge individually into state army and police units rather than as a collective force [1]. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack urged the SDF to proceed with integration, warning that continued resistance could jeopardise American assistance [2]. Turkish President Recep Erdogan also pressed the SDF to comply promptly with the cease‑fire and integration terms, emphasizing regional security stakes [3].
Clashes around Shaddadeh and al‑Aqtan underscore fragility Despite the cease‑fire, fighting erupted on 19 January around the Shaddadeh and al‑Aqtan prisons, resulting in nine SDF fighters killed and 20 wounded near al‑Aqtan [3]. A curfew was imposed in Shaddadeh after detainees reportedly escaped, and a U.S. convoy was observed entering the area, indicating Washington’s mediating role [3]. Government forces have reinforced the northeast, reducing SDF‑held territory over the preceding three weeks, raising concerns of further escalation [1].
Sources
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1.
AP:Ceasefire Extension Amid Ongoing Syrian‑Kurdish Tensions: Details the 15‑day cease‑fire extension, its link to the U.S. IS detainee transfer, SDF’s pledge, minor releases, and the new individual‑merger accord .
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2.
AP:Syria and SDF announce four‑day ceasefire as IS prison clashes persist: Reports the initial four‑day cease‑fire, SDF guard withdrawal from al‑Hol, 120 IS escapees from Shaddadeh, and U.S. envoy Tom Barrack’s push for SDF integration .
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3.
AP:Damascus–SDF ceasefire deal unravels as clashes erupt around northeast Syria prisons: Describes the breakdown of the cease‑fire with renewed fighting at Shaddadeh and al‑Aqtan, casualty figures, a curfew, U.S. convoy presence, and Erdogan’s demand for compliance .
Timeline
Mar 2025 – Syria’s interim government signs a March accord with the Kurdish‑led Syrian Democratic Forces, stipulating the hand‑over of territory and the individual merger of SDF fighters into state army and police units, laying the diplomatic groundwork for later ceasefires [1].
Early Jan 2026 (three weeks prior) – Intense clashes between Syrian government troops and the SDF shrink SDF‑held territory in the northeast, prompting Damascus to reinforce its forces and raising fears of a broader escalation [1].
Jan 19, 2026 – The broad ceasefire announced the previous day unravels as fighting erupts around the Shaddadeh and al‑Aqtan prisons, with nine SDF fighters killed and 20 wounded, illustrating the fragility of the truce [3]; Turkish President Erdogan warns the SDF “not to delay or obstruct compliance” with the cease‑fire and integration agreement [3]; a U.S. convoy is observed entering the prison area, signalling Washington’s mediating role [3].
Jan 20, 2026 – The Syrian government and the SDF announce a new four‑day ceasefire, with the SDF stating it “will not initiate military action unless attacked,” while both sides accuse each other of detainee escapes [2]; SDF guards withdraw from al‑Hol camp, prompting Damascus to blame the move for a reported escape of 120 IS members from Shaddadeh, of whom 81 are recaptured [2]; U.S. envoy Tom Barrack urges the SDF to integrate into the new Syrian government, warning that “no American help will come if it keeps fighting” [2].
Jan 24, 2026 – The Syrian defense ministry extends the ceasefire by 15 days, describing the move as supporting the U.S. operation to transfer roughly 7,000 IS detainees to Iraqi detention centers (150 already moved) [1]; the SDF affirms its commitment to respect the extension and continue de‑escalation [1]; state television reports the release of 126 minors from al‑Aqtan prison, presented as a humanitarian gesture amid the detainee‑transfer effort [1].