Syrian Ministry Denies Rumors of Extending Ceasefire Deadline with SDF

Syria Denies Extension of Ceasefire With Syrian Democratic Forces

Damascus – The Syrian Goverment on Saturday firmly refuted reports suggesting an extension of the recently implemented ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led military group. This denial comes amidst ongoing complexities in the Al-Hasakah Governorate and broader efforts to achieve stability in the region.

Ceasefire Origins and Initial Agreements

The initial ceasefire, announced last Tuesday by the Syrian Ministry of Defense, was a direct result of a joint understanding between the Syrian government and the SDF. This understanding focused on several key issues pertaining to the future governance and security arrangements within al-Hasakah Governorate, a region with a significant Kurdish population. The four-day ceasefire was intended to foster an environment conducive to continued dialog and prevent further escalation of tensions.

Understanding the Context: Syrian Conflict Dynamics

The Syrian Civil War, now in its thirteenth year, remains one of the most protracted and devastating conflicts of the 21st century. The Council on Foreign Relations provides comprehensive analysis of the ongoing conflict, including the roles of various internal and external actors. The SDF has been a key player in the war, receiving support from the United States in its fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). Though, the Syrian government has long viewed the SDF with suspicion, considering them an extension of Kurdish separatist movements.This has created a volatile dynamic, with occasional clashes and a general lack of trust between the two sides.

Ministry’s Statement and Current Situation

A source within the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, quoted by the Syrian Al-Ikhbariya channel, explicitly stated that “There is no truth to what is being circulated regarding extending the deadline with the SDF.” This statement suggests the Syrian government is proceeding according to the original terms of the agreement and does not anticipate a continuation of the ceasefire beyond its initial four-day period. The implications of this decision are significant, raising concerns about a potential resumption of hostilities.

Key Facts at a Glance

Event	Date	Details
Initial Ceasefire Proclamation	Tuesday, January 18, 2026	four-day ceasefire declared in all sectors of syrian Arab Army operations.
Joint Understanding Reached	Tuesday, January 18, 2026	Agreement between Syrian Government and SDF regarding Al-Hasakah Governorate.
Denial of Ceasefire Extension	Saturday, January 22, 2026	Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs refutes claims of extending the ceasefire.

Implications and Future Outlook

The denial of a ceasefire extension underscores the fragile nature of the current situation in Syria. While the initial agreement demonstrated a willingness to engage in dialogue, the lack of an extension suggests deep-seated disagreements remain. Experts suggest the Syrian government may be seeking to reassert control over Al-Hasakah Governorate, possibly leading to further clashes with the SDF. The Atlantic Council provides in-depth reporting on the geopolitical implications of the Syrian conflict. The unresolved issues could also complicate the broader political landscape, impacting international efforts to find a lasting resolution to the Syrian crisis.

What impact will the end of the ceasefire have on the civilian population in Al-Hasakah Governorate? Will further negotiations be pursued, or is a return to conflict certain?

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What did the Syrian Ministry of Defense say about the rumors of extending the ceasefire with the SDF?

syrian Ministry Denies Rumors of Extending Ceasefire deadline with SDF

The Syrian Ministry of Defense issued a statement earlier today, January 24, 2026, firmly denying reports circulating regarding a potential extension of the current ceasefire agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The initial ceasefire, brokered with international mediation in late 2025, aimed to de-escalate tensions in northeastern Syria and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery.

Background of the Ceasefire

The existing ceasefire, which came into effect on December 15, 2025, was intended as a temporary measure to address the escalating conflict between syrian government forces and SDF-aligned groups, especially around key infrastructure and population centers. The agreement focused on:

* Halting offensive operations: Both sides agreed to cease all offensive military actions.

* Humanitarian access: Establishing safe corridors for the delivery of aid to civilians in need.

* Dialog facilitation: Creating a platform for potential future negotiations regarding the long-term political status of the region.

* Monitoring Mechanism: Implementation of a joint monitoring mechanism involving Russian and Turkish observers, alongside UN representatives.

Initial reports suggested a possible extension, fueled by statements from Kurdish officials hinting at ongoing discussions. However, the Syrian Ministry of Defense has categorically refuted these claims.

Ministry’s Official Statement & Key Points

The official statement, released via the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), emphasized that the ceasefire remains in effect until its originally scheduled expiration date of January 31, 2026. crucially, the Ministry stated there are no ongoing negotiations, nor any intention to extend the agreement beyond this date.

Key points from the statement include:

1. Reaffirmation of Sovereignty: The Ministry reiterated Syria’s commitment to its territorial integrity and its right to exercise full sovereignty over all its lands, including areas currently controlled by the SDF.
2. Accusations against SDF: The statement accused the SDF of violating the ceasefire on multiple occasions, citing alleged attacks on Syrian army positions and civilian infrastructure. These accusations, if substantiated, could be a key factor in the decision not to extend the agreement.
3. Call for Full Withdrawal: The Ministry called for the complete withdrawal of all foreign forces and armed groups operating illegally within Syrian territory,a long-standing demand of the Syrian government. This includes references to the presence of US troops supporting the SDF.
4. Emphasis on Political Solution: The statement underscored the importance of a thorough political solution to the Syrian conflict, achieved through dialogue and without external interference.

Implications of Non-Extension

The decision not to extend the ceasefire carries significant implications for the region. A breakdown in the agreement could lead to:

* Renewed Hostilities: A resumption of fighting between Syrian government forces and the SDF, potentially escalating the conflict and causing further civilian casualties.

* Increased Instability: A power vacuum in northeastern Syria,potentially exploited by extremist groups like ISIS,who remain a threat despite territorial losses.

* Humanitarian Crisis: Disruption of humanitarian aid deliveries, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the region. Millions rely on assistance for basic necessities.

* Regional Ramifications: Increased tensions between regional actors, including Turkey, Russia, and the United States, all of whom have vested interests in Syria.

SDF Response and International Reactions

The SDF has yet to issue a formal response to the Syrian ministry’s statement. However, sources within the SDF leadership have expressed disappointment and concern over the decision, warning of potential consequences for the stability of the region.

International reactions have been mixed. the United States State Department issued a statement urging all parties to exercise restraint and to resume negotiations. Russia, a key ally of the Syrian government, has expressed support for Damascus’s position, emphasizing the need for Syria’s territorial integrity to be respected. Turkey, which views the SDF as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), has remained largely silent, but analysts suggest Ankara may view the non-extension as an opportunity to pursue its own security interests in the region.

Historical Context: Previous Ceasefire Attempts

This is not the first attempt at establishing a ceasefire between the Syrian government and the SDF.Previous agreements, brokered in 2019 and 2020, ultimately failed to hold due to repeated violations and a lack of trust between the parties. These past failures highlight the challenges in achieving a lasting peace in Syria. The 2019 ceasefire, for example, collapsed following Turkey’s “Operation Peace Spring” which targeted Kurdish forces in northern Syria.

Potential Scenarios Moving Forward

Several scenarios are possible in the coming days:

* Continued Ceasefire (unlikely): A sudden reversal of the Syrian government’s position and a last-minute agreement to extend the ceasefire. This is considered highly improbable given the strong language used in the Ministry’s statement.

* Limited Clashes: Localized skirmishes and clashes between Syrian forces and the SDF, potentially escalating into a wider conflict.

* Full-Scale Offensive: A large-scale offensive by Syrian government forces to regain control of areas held by the SDF.

* International Intervention: Increased diplomatic efforts by international actors to mediate a new agreement or to prevent a further escalation of the conflict.

The situation remains fluid and highly volatile. Monitoring developments closely will be crucial in the coming days to assess the potential impact on the region and its people.