Syrian Government Extends Ceasefire With Kurdish SDF to Transfer Up to 7,000 Islamic State Detainees

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.

“Summary: Government forces have taken control of two prisons so far, while the remaining facilities remain under the control of the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces)”

ABC News

Officials said the pause took effect late Saturday night and that it applies broadly.

ABC News

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.

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.

Al Jazeera

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.

A ceasefire follows weeks of heavy fighting and a rapid government advance that seized large swaths of territory previously held by the SDF.

“A fragile ceasefire between Syria’s government and the Kurdish-led SDF has been extended by 15 days”

Al Jazeera

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.

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.

Al-Jazeera Net

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.

Reporting after the pause highlights significant uncertainties.

“A fragile ceasefire between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has been extended by 15 days, offering temporary relief amid escalating tensions in northern and eastern Syria”

EconoTimes

The SDF views the extension as an opportunity to continue talks about its future role.

EconoTimes

Damascus frames the extension as a chance to integrate local institutions and process detainee arrangements.

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.