Syria’s government and Kurdish forces on Saturday extended their truce by 15 days, with Damascus saying it was to support the US transfer of ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq.
– The truce would be prolonged.
– The 15-day extension would take effect at 11pm (2000 GMT) on Saturday.
– The extension of the ceasefire comes in support of the American operation to transfer ISIS detainees from SDF prisons to Iraq.
– The SDF confirmed the extension, saying it was reached “through international mediation, while dialogue with Damascus continues.”
– “Our forces affirm their commitment to the agreement and their dedication to respecting it, which contributes to de-escalation, the protection of civilians, and the creation of the necessary conditions for stability.”
– Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, whose country is a key backer of Damascus but hostile to the SDF, had said that in light of the ISIS prisoner transfers, “extending the ceasefire for a while longer might be considered.”
– The truce between Damascus and the Kurds is part of a new understanding over Kurdish-majority areas in Hasakeh province and a broader deal to integrate the Kurds’ administration into the state.
– On Saturday, Syria’s government freed at least 126 minors being held in a prison for ISIS detainees in Raqa province in northern Syria after taking over the facility from Kurdish forces.