News|Syria's WarSyria truce with Kurdish-led forces expires amid uncertainty over renewalSyria’s foreign ministry denies government forces reached an agreement with SDF on extending the deadline.

A four-day ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has concluded. The cessation ended on Sat, Jan 24, 2026, at 8 pm (17:00 GMT) without announcements of an extension. Syrian forces and SDF troops have concentrated near key Kurdish-held cities in the northeast.

Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa stated on social media that the government is considering its next actions. Meanwhile, the Syrian foreign ministry has denied any agreement with the SDF to extend the ceasefire.

In anticipation of potential conflict, SDF forces have fortified their positions in Qamishli, Hasakeh, and Kobane. The Syrian military has similarly mobilized personnel and equipment in these regions.

The ceasefire agreement was initially reached on Tue, Jan 20, 2026, after Kurdish forces ceded territory to government troops. The Syrian army has gained control of significant areas in the north and east, including oil fields, hydroelectric dams, and facilities with ISIL detainees.

The al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa, housing ISIL fighters, is now under government control. Additionally, the Syrian army has secured a camp with suspected ISIL members, previously left unguarded during the transition period.

The situation remains tense, with both the Syrian army and the SDF preparing for further military engagements. The outcome of these developments is crucial for the ongoing power dynamics in the region, impacting the control over strategic resources and territories.

Concurrently, the United States has been moving ISIL detainees from Syrian facilities to locations across the Iraqi border.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.