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The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreed to a ceasefire following a rapid military advance by the Syrian army, which included taking control of key areas such as Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsoud district, the city of Raqqa, and the Tabqa region. The deal outlines plans to integrate the SDF into the national army. However, the truce remains fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violations and reports of renewed clashes. A significant security complication emerged with the escape of Islamic State prisoners from a detention facility during the fighting, a threat both sides must now address. Syrian forces also assumed control of the al-Hol camp, which houses families linked to the Islamic State, from the SDF.
The United States military initiated a major operation to transfer thousands of ISIS detainees from prisons in northeastern Syria to Iraq for prosecution, a move prompted by security concerns following prison breaks. Concurrently, the US and allies like the UK and France launched retaliatory airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria. Separately, Israel conducted multiple airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure, despite an ongoing ceasefire. Lebanon's government claimed Hezbollah had been disarmed in the south, a statement Israel deemed insufficient. Meanwhile, reports indicate the US is considering a complete military withdrawal from Syria. Regional actors Saudi Arabia and Qatar welcomed the Syrian ceasefire agreement.
5 topics | 347 sources
The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have agreed to a ceasefire and a deal to integrate the SDF into the state's armed forces. The agreement follows intense fighting and includes the SDF withdrawing from several areas, including a major camp holding families of Islamic State fighters. Both sides have accused each other of violating the truce, and clashes have been reported after the deal was announced. The Syrian army has begun deploying into regions previously held by the SDF, such as Raqqa and the Jazira area, as part of the integration process. The ceasefire has been extended multiple times, with the latest being a four-day truce announced after the collapse of an initial agreement. The status of thousands of Islamic State prisoners held in SDF-run prisons remains a major point of concern following the deal.
The Syrian army entered the al-Hol camp in Hasakah province, which houses families of Islamic State militants, and declared the area a closed security zone. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said they were compelled to withdraw from the camp. Syrian authorities accused the SDF of deliberately releasing dozens of ISIS detainees from a prison in Hasakah, calling it a serious security breach. The U.S. envoy to Syria said the SDF's role in fighting ISIS has largely expired as the Syrian government assumes control.
Hezbollah's leader warned that a US attack on Iran would also target his group and would 'ignite the entire region.' He said Hezbollah is 'not neutral' in such a scenario. The Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah also called on fighters to prepare for 'total war' if Iran is attacked. Separately, Hezbollah warned the Lebanese government that expanding a push to disarm the group could lead to 'chaos' and 'civil war.' This warning came as the Lebanese army said it had disarmed Hezbollah in the south of the country.
A human rights watchdog says forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad injured 35 people in a chlorine gas attack in 2016. A separate report, based on what it says is a leaked audio recording, claims Assad personally ordered the use of chemical weapons. In a related development, Syria has asked Lebanon to hand over several former Syrian military officers. This request came after Reuters published its report on the alleged audio recording.
Israeli military forces entered the village of Said al-Hanout in the Quneitra countryside of Syria. Reports state the forces detained a young man during the operation.
16 topics | 330 sources
Jan 30 — Jan 27
The US begins moving thousands of ISIS detainees from Syria to IraqThe US military has started transferring thousands of Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq. The operation involves moving up to 7,000 people. This transfer comes as fighting in Syria has threatened the security of detention centers. The US has also launched large-scale retaliatory strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria after an ambush that killed three Americans. At the same time, the US is weighing a complete military withdrawal from Syria. US officials have stated that the anti-ISIS mission with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has 'largely expired.'