News|Syria's WarSyrian government, SDF agree on a four-day ceasefireKurdish-led SDF accepts truce but reports continued attacks by government-allied forces, despite the agreement.
The Syrian government has declared a four-day ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) following advances in the country's northeast. The ceasefire was initiated at 8pm (17:00 GMT) on Tue, Jan 18, 2026.
The Syrian government has declared a four-day ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) following advances in the country's northeast. The ceasefire was initiated at 8pm (17:00 GMT) on Tue, Jan 18, 2026.
The Syrian Army requested the SDF to nominate a candidate for the role of assistant to the defence minister in Damascus, aimed at integrating Kurdish forces into the Syrian state. The SDF confirmed their acceptance of the ceasefire and stated they would refrain from military action unless provoked.
The SDF emphasized their commitment to political dialogue and the implementation of the January 18 agreement to promote de-escalation and stability.
Despite the ceasefire, the SDF reported that government-allied groups launched an attack on the village of Tal Baroud, utilizing heavy weaponry. SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami reported intense artillery shelling in the town of Zarkan by Damascus-affiliated factions and an attack on al-Aqtan Prison using drones and gunfire.
The Syrian government has declared a four-day ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) following advances in the country's northeast.
Recently, the Syrian government has made significant territorial gains, marking a major shift in control since the fall of former leader Bashar al-Assad. The Ministry of Interior announced the army's control over the al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, previously held by the SDF, which houses families of ISIL fighters and long-term refugees.
The SDF maintains control over Hasakah city and the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli. The Syrian government assured that its forces would not enter these cities during the ceasefire.
Under military pressure, the SDF agreed to withdraw from the Arab-majority governorates of Raqqa and Deir Az Zor, known for Syria’s main oilfields. Abdul Karim Omar, a Kurdish representative, expressed readiness for the integration of SDF forces into Syrian state institutions.
Syria's ambassador to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, expressed hope for the ceasefire's success, mentioning collaboration with United States partners to ensure its stability.
The US envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, announced that the Syrian government has now become the US's main partner in combating ISIL, a role previously held by the SDF.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
