Syrian and Kurdish forces agree to extend ceasefire as threat of war looms

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by William Christou in Deir el-ZourJanuary 24, 2026 at 01:47 PM

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long article 4 min

Syrian government and Kurdish forces have agreed to extend a ceasefire for up to one month in northeast Syria, temporarily preventing a potential war. The initial ceasefire halted a Syrian government offensive following fighting in Aleppo in early January, where the SDF lost territory. The agreement aims to allow the transfer of suspected ISIS members to Iraq and for the SDF to implement a 14-point plan, including disbanding the militia and integrating soldiers into the Syrian army. If the SDF fails to comply, Damascus has threatened to resume its offensive towards SDF strongholds. Both sides have been preparing for a potential full-scale war, with the SDF mobilizing residents and the Syrian army deploying troops to the frontline, while diplomatic efforts continue to mediate the conflict.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Kobane 30% Mazloum Abdi ×230% Aleppo 40% Damascus ×240% Hasakeh ×340% Qamishli ×240% Islamic State 50% Iraq ×260% Syria ×675% Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ×680% Kurdish Forces ×285% Syrian Government ×790%

Keywords

ceasefire 100% kurdish forces 90% syrian government 90% syria 80% conflict 70% syrian democratic forces 60% offensive 60% diplomacy 50% war 50% islamic state 40%