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Syria Ceasefire Under Strain as Army, Kurdish Forces Trade Violation Claims

A recently extended ceasefire between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces is facing immediate strain as both sides accuse the other of violations. The army claims the SDF launched drone attacks near Aleppo, while the SDF alleges government forces shelled residential areas. The truce, meant to facilitate issues like ISIS detainee transfers, follows recent government territorial gains that complicate Kurdish integration efforts. The mutual accusations underscore the profound mistrust threatening any lasting peace in northeast Syria.

Key Points: Syria Ceasefire Violations: Army and SDF Accuse Each Other

  • Drone attacks reported near Aleppo
  • Artillery shelling of residential areas alleged
  • Ceasefire extended 15 days just prior
  • Territory seizures complicate integration deal
  • Mistrust threatens lasting stability
2 min read

Syrian army, Kurdish-led SDF accuse each other of ceasefire violations

Syrian army and Kurdish-led SDF trade accusations of drone attacks and shelling, threatening a fragile extended ceasefire in northeast Syria.

"As a result of these attacks, violent clashes erupted between our forces and the attacking factions. - SDF statement"

Damascus, January 26

A fragile ceasefire between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces has come under strain, with both sides accusing each other of violating its terms even as the truce remains broadly in effect, according to Syrian state media and Kurdish sources, reported Al Jazeera.

The Syrian army said on Sunday that the SDF launched multiple drone attacks in the countryside around Aleppo, breaching the recently extended ceasefire and targeting deployment sites near the town of Ain al-Arab, also known as Kobane.

The military claimed the strikes destroyed several vehicles and caused civilian injuries along the M4 highway and in surrounding villages, though some of the drones were reportedly shot down, reported Al Jazeera.

In response, the SDF said government forces had conducted attacks southeast of Ain al-Arab, including heavy artillery shelling of residential neighbourhoods, triggering clashes between the two sides.

"As a result of these attacks, violent clashes erupted between our forces and the attacking factions," the group said in a statement on X.

The latest accusations come just a day after the Syrian government announced a 15-day extension of the ceasefire initially agreed earlier in January, aimed in part at facilitating the transfer of detainees linked to the Islamic State from SDF-controlled facilities, reported Al Jazeera.

Government troops have also seized swathes of territory in the north and east from the SDF in recent weeks, consolidating the authority of President Ahmed al-Sharaa's administration, a move that has complicated efforts to integrate Kurdish fighters into state institutions under the ceasefire deal, reported Al Jazeera.

The mutual blame highlights how tenuous the ceasefire remains amid ongoing mistrust and intermittent clashes, raising questions about the prospects for lasting peace and stability in northeast Syria.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Reading this from India, it's a stark reminder of how fragile peace can be. The government seizing territory right after extending the ceasefire shows a lack of good faith. It's hard to see how trust can be built when actions speak louder than words.
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Vikram M
Drone attacks and artillery shelling of residential areas? This is heartbreaking. The international community needs to step up pressure for a real, monitored ceasefire. Innocent lives are at stake every time these violations happen.
R
Rohit P
As an Indian, I see parallels with how complex regional conflicts can be. The Kurdish forces have been key allies against ISIS, and now this tension with Damascus. A stable Syria is crucial for the whole region's security, including its impact on global issues.
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Priya S
While the situation is tragic, I respectfully think the article could provide more context on *why* the government is seizing territory now. Is it a strategic move, or a reaction to something? Understanding motives is key to finding a solution.
M
Michael C
The mention of integrating Kurdish fighters into state institutions is the real sticking point. Autonomy vs central control – it's a difficult balance. Without addressing that core issue, any ceasefire will remain "tenuous" as the article says.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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