Syrian Government and SDF Agree to Four-Day Ceasefire

Syrian Government Announces Four-Day Ceasefire with Kurdish-Led Forces

The Syrian government has declared a four-day ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), effective at 8pm GMT on Tuesday. The ceasefire was announced as part of efforts to integrate the Kurds into the Syrian state.

According to the Syrian Army, the ceasefire came into effect after lightning advances by its forces in the country’s northeast. The government also requested that the SDF provide the name of a candidate for the role of assistant to the defence minister in Damascus.

The SDF confirmed acceptance of the ceasefire and stated it would not engage in military action unless attacked. However, shortly after the ceasefire began, the SDF reported continued attacks by government-allied forces on several locations, including the village of Tal Baroud and al-Aqtan Prison north of Raqqa.

The Syrian government has rapidly advanced and seized territory held by the SDF in recent days, with its forces taking control of the al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria. The SDF still retains control of Hasakah city and the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli.

A ceasefire agreement was reached between the parties on January 18, but it appears that some attacks have continued despite this. The Syrian government has stated its intention to integrate SDF forces into the institutions of the Syrian state, with a representative from the Kurdish community expressing readiness for this process.

The US envoy to Syria announced that the Syrian government is now the US’s main partner in fighting ISIL, a role previously held by the SDF.

Source: Al Jazeera