In brief
Syria's government confirmed a ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) following their withdrawal from Al-Hol camp, which held individuals linked to the Islamic State. The SDF cited international indifference as a reason for their actions, and the ceasefire aims to facilitate future integration of Kurdish-controlled areas into the Syrian state. Concerns remain over the conditions in the camps and the repatriation of international detainees.
Syria's government has announced a new ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), following their withdrawal from a camp holding thousands of people with alleged links to the jihadist group Islamic State (IS).
The SDF stated that their forces were 'compelled' to leave Al-Hol camp and redeploy to other cities in north-east Syria 'due to the international indifference toward the issue of [IS]'.
Syria's interior ministry responded by complaining that this withdrawal occurred without co-ordination with the government or the US-led coalition against IS. Following the withdrawal, the presidency stated it had reached an understanding with the SDF regarding the future of Hassakeh province, which has a significant Kurdish population.
A statement indicated that the SDF would be given four days to consult on a detailed plan for the peaceful integration of areas under its control into the Syrian state. The presidency committed to ensuring that government forces would not enter the cities of Hassakeh and Qamishli or any Kurdish villages.
Simultaneously, the SDF declared its 'full commitment to the ceasefire' and pledged not to initiate military action unless provoked. They expressed readiness to follow through with the agreement reached with the government to halt nearly two weeks of combat.
This agreement is expected to result in the Kurdish-run autonomous region in the north-east of Syria and its infrastructure coming under government control, while also integrating tens of thousands of SDF fighters into government security forces.
The developments present a challenging transition for the SDF, which has been reticent to give up the autonomy gained through collaboration with US-led forces to combat IS during Syria's civil war. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has emphasized his goal of reunifying Syria amid ongoing sectarian violence and divisions.
Prior to the recent conflict, the SDF held approximately 8,000 suspected IS fighters in northern Syria, and the UN reported around 34,000 individuals linked to IS being detained at the Al-Hol and Roj camps, with a significant portion being children.
Amid the complexities of these dynamics, the SDF also accused government forces of attacking prisons holding IS members, escalating tensions further in the already fraught landscape of Syria's ongoing conflict.
