A fragile ceasefire in Syria is already under threat just one day after being agreed upon by teh Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Renewed clashes and accusations of prison attacks are raising concerns about a return to widespread conflict in the region,threatening not only the stability of the immediate area but also raising questions about the fate of thousands of ISIS prisoners held by the SDF [3]. A meeting is scheduled later today between Syrian President al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi in an attempt to salvage the agreement amid escalating tensions [[1]].
Fighting has resumed in Syria just one day after the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed a ceasefire agreement, raising concerns about the fragile stability in the region.
The Syrian army reported that three soldiers were killed in clashes. The Kurdish-led SDF, meanwhile, claims “dozens of SDF fighters” have been killed and accuses “militias affiliated with the government” of attacking a prison in Shaddadi, in the northeast of the country.
The Syrian government has denied the SDF’s allegations.
Control of Prison in Dispute
The SDF stated on X that the Shaddadi prison holds thousands of ISIS fighters. The group says it has lost control of the facility after repelling multiple attacks. They also allege that repeated requests for assistance from the U.S.-led international coalition went unanswered.
Nine SDF fighters were also reportedly killed in fighting near the al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa, according to the SDF. The group’s latest update indicates that clashes are ongoing.
The SDF described the situation as a “very dangerous development,” warning that the capture of the prison poses a threat to stability and could lead to “a return to chaos and terrorism.”
Call for Kurdish Forces to Mobilize
Kurdish politician Foza Alyusuf has called for the mobilization of Kurdish forces, asserting that the Syrian government is not adhering to the terms of the ceasefire. “Our people must be vigilant and prepared for all scenarios,” the politician wrote on X.
Al Jazeera reports, citing a source within the Syrian Ministry of Defense, that civilians have been injured by an explosion in Hasaka. The source claims the explosive was planted by the PKK. According to the terms of the ceasefire agreed to yesterday, all PKK fighters are expected to leave the country.
Yesterday, the Syrian government announced that a ceasefire had been signed with the Kurdish-led SDF, following days of fighting that saw the Syrian army rapidly advance in northeastern Syria.
The two sides reportedly agreed on 14 points, including the withdrawal of the SDF from the provinces of Raqqa and Deir al-Zour, and the handover of oil fields that the fighters have controlled for years. This agreement could have significant implications for the region’s energy resources.
The agreement also stipulates that the Syrian government will take control of ISIS prisoners and be responsible for their security, including foreign ISIS detainees, a move that has raised international concerns. Reports indicate that some ISIS-affiliated prisoners have already been released.
The Syrian army, however, accuses the SDF of releasing ISIS fighters from the Shaddadi prison, stating it is working to restore order and that the SDF refused to hand over control of the facility.
Planned Meeting Between Leaders
Later today, a meeting is scheduled between Syrian President al-Sharaa and the commander of the SDF, Mazloum Abdi.
The SDF leader stated yesterday that he had accepted the agreement “to stop the bloodshed.”
