Syria25 January, 20262 min read
Syrian Government Extends Ceasefire With Kurdish SDF to Transfer Up to 7,000 Islamic State Detainees
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Syrian government extended its ceasefire with the Kurdish-led SDF for 15 days Extension intended to facilitate US-led transfer of roughly 7,000 Islamic State detainees to Iraq
9 outlets told this the same way.
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Ceasefire and detainee transfers
Syria's defense ministry and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreed to extend a 15-day ceasefire to allow a U.S.-backed operation to transfer Islamic State detainees from prisons in northeastern Syria to detention centers in Iraq. Officials said the pause took effect late Saturday night and that it applies broadly.
“Syria’s defense ministry and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have agreed to extend a ceasefire for 15 days to allow a U.S.-backed operation to transfer accused Islamic State militants from prisons in northeastern Syria to detention centers in Iraq.”
The SDF confirmed the extension and emphasized its commitment to the truce and to protecting civilians despite recent heavy clashes. State and military statements accompanying the deal also reported some prisoner movements to Iraq.
Northeast Syria detainee reports
U.S. Central Command told Al Jazeera it had moved 150 prisoners from a detention center in al-Hasakah so far and said it was planning an operation that could include up to 7,000 detainees.
Syrian military statements and other outlets reported at least 150 prisoners taken to Iraq and described al-Aqtan prison as holding some of roughly 9,000 IS detainees in the region.
The competing figures underline both the scale of detainee populations in northeast Syria and the different emphases by reporters on what has already moved versus what may be transferred.
Ceasefire and negotiations
A ceasefire follows weeks of heavy fighting and a rapid government advance that seized large swaths of territory previously held by the SDF. This came after an earlier, unexpected four-day truce that included demands for Kurdish disarmament and integration into state forces. Reports say both sides have accused the other of bad faith amid stalled talks over SDF integration and government reinforcements entering the northeast, creating a fragile environment for transfers and negotiations.
“The one-hour-before-expiry extension follows a fast government advance over the past two weeks that seized large swaths of SDF-held territory and an earlier, unexpected four-day truce that had demanded Kurdish disarmament and integration into the national army.”
Pause aims and risks
International actors played a central role in pressing for the pause and shaping its aims. Western partners pushed for SDF integration and restraint, while U.S. forces sought secure conditions for transfers and a possible drawdown.
Analysts and Syrian officials quoted in reporting see the two-week extension as provisional, useful for securing detention sites and sorting security files but not a clear political settlement. They warn that renewed fighting remains possible if talks stall or violations occur.
Truce developments and perspectives
Reporting after the pause highlights significant uncertainties. The SDF views the extension as an opportunity to continue talks about its future role. Damascus frames the extension as a chance to integrate local institutions and process detainee arrangements.
“Syrian state TV reported that government forces released 126 boys under 18 from the al-Aqtan prison near Raqqa after capturing it; al-Aqtan holds some of roughly 9,000 IS detainees in the region, though most remain in SDF-run jails.”
Analysts warn the truce could either be lengthened or break down. Syrian state media reported government action at al-Aqtan, including the release of 126 boys under 18 after capturing the prison. Some outlets noted this as an example of how different sources emphasize varying on-the-ground developments.
