Summary
Pressure is building on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to merge with the Syrian army as a ceasefire deadline approaches. Syria's foreign ministry stated that no agreement had been made to extend the ceasefire, which was set to end today. The Syrian army has recently taken control of key areas and facilities previously held by the SDF.
Key Facts
- The Kurdish-led SDF faces pressure to integrate with the Syrian army by the end of a ceasefire set to expire today.
- Syria’s foreign ministry denied any extension of the ceasefire agreement with the SDF.
- The four-day ceasefire started after Kurdish fighters gave up significant territories to government forces.
- Syrian forces have gained control over areas including key oil fields, hydroelectric dams, and ISIL detention facilities.
- The Syrian army now controls the al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa, previously held by ISIL detainees.
- Military preparations have intensified on both sides, with Syrian army deployments and SDF forces strengthening positions near Hasakah.
- The U.S. military has moved hundreds of ISIL detainees from Syrian prisons to Iraq.
