Syria: 15-Day Extension of Ceasefire Between Government and Kurds

The Syrian Ministry of Defense announced a 15-day extension of the ceasefire between the Syrian government and Kurdish forces. The extension began at 23:00 local time.

The aim of the extension is to facilitate the American operation to transfer detained members of the Islamic State from Kurdish prisons to Iraq.

Initially, there was information about a one-month extension, but Syrian state television reported that no decision had yet been made.

The Syrian government seeks the integration of Kurdish political and military institutions into the state, while the Kurds are seeking autonomy and control of oil revenues in their regions.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have withdrawn to Hasakah, with Syrian forces taking positions around the area.