RAQQA, Syria (AP) — Following the expiry of a four-day truce between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led fighters on Saturday, Syria's defense ministry announced an extension of the ceasefire by another 15 days. This development is aimed at facilitating an operation by U.S. forces, which involves the transfer of alleged Islamic State militants currently held in prisons in northeastern Syria to detention centers in Iraq.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) confirmed the extension of the ceasefire. In a statement, they expressed their commitment to the agreement, emphasizing their dedication to de-escalation, civilian protection, and stability in the region. The SDF reported significant clashes between their forces and the government in recent weeks, resulting in the loss of substantial territory that the SDF previously controlled.
As the expiration of the truce approached, government forces intensified their military presence in northeastern Syria, sending reinforcements to the area. This escalation comes in the context of a previous agreement signed by Syria's interim government and the SDF in March, which involved a territorial handover and a planned merger of the SDF with government forces. However, ongoing talks since January have failed to yield progress, leading to resumed fighting between the two factions.
A new iteration of the agreement was finalized last weekend, coinciding with the declaration of the four-day ceasefire on Tuesday. Key elements of this new deal include the requirement for SDF fighters to merge into the Syrian army and police forces as individual members, a move that raises questions about the autonomy of the SDF.
Despite the ceasefire, the SDF reported military buildups by government forces, indicating a possible intention to escalate tensions further and push the situation towards conflict. However, the SDF reiterated their commitment to adhere to the truce.
On the day the truce was set to end, state television reported that authorities released 126 boys under the age of 18 from the al-Aqtan prison located near Raqqa, which had recently fallen under government control. The teenagers were subsequently returned to their families in Raqqa. This prison houses some of the 9,000 members of the Islamic State group who are currently detained in northeastern Syria, most of whom are held in prisons operated by the SDF, while government forces have successfully taken control of two facilities.
Earlier this week, the U.S. military announced plans to transfer approximately 7,000 IS detainees to detention centers in Iraq. By Wednesday, reports confirmed that 150 prisoners had already been moved across the border.
