Dialogos

Syrian Kurdish Forces Commit to Ceasefire

Published January 20, 2026, 20:01
Syrian Kurdish Forces Commit to Ceasefire

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led by Kurds, have announced their full commitment to a four-day ceasefire announced by Damascus, as part of an agreement reached on Tuesday. The SDF stated they will not initiate any military action unless they are attacked. Turkey, despite its reservations, has stated its support for the agreement between the Syrian government and the YPG (Syrian Kurdish forces), considering it a political choice in favor of stability. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the importance of the decree issued by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which enshrines the cultural and social rights of Kurdish citizens. However, Fidan expressed strong concern over the release of ISIS prisoners by the YPG, characterizing the action as a serious security breach. The agreement provides for a ceasefire and the full integration of the SDF/YPG into Syrian state institutions, as well as the withdrawal of armed formations east of the Euphrates and the handover of control in areas such as Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor to Damascus.