ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - US officials are backing an extension of the four-day ceasefire that began Tuesday between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Damascus-aligned factions, the spokesperson of the Kurdistan Region presidency told Rudaw.
The renewed diplomatic push comes amid a sharp deterioration in Syria’s security situation. Since mid-January, the Syrian Arab Army and affiliated groups have advanced into former SDF-held areas in eastern Aleppo, as well as parts of Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and the Kurdish-majority Hasaka province. The advances have raised fears of wider clashes and instability.
A ceasefire agreement signed earlier this month, aimed at integrating SDF structures into state institutions, has repeatedly been violated. Each breakdown has fueled concerns over renewed displacement, threats to ISIS detention facilities, and the potential resurgence of the group.
On Tuesday, the Syrian presidency announced a “mutual understanding” with the SDF, granting the group a four-day consultation period to develop a detailed plan for integrating areas under its control. Under the agreement, Syrian forces would avoid entering the centers of Hasaka and Qamishli, instead remaining on the outskirts.
Despite the accord, the SDF reported Thursday that Damascus-aligned factions shelled al-Aqtan prison, which houses ISIS militants, and attacked the outskirts of Sarrin and the village of Khrouss, south of Kobane, using heavy weapons and artillery.
"Undoubtedly, a decisive decision has been made to end hostilities, and all sides welcome prolonging and sustaining the ceasefire," Dilshad Shahab, spokesperson of the Kurdistan Region presidency, told Rudaw.
Shahab explained that President Nechirvan Barzani has urged US mediation and negotiations with Syrian officials to extend the truce, warning that "short-term ceasefires of two to four days are insufficient to resolve the conflict."
"Efforts must focus on ending hostilities and distancing the forces from each other," he said.
The spokesperson added that "under pressure or threats, talks cannot succeed."
“Now all sides agree, and we believe this will pave the way for additional steps forward," he said.
Shahab said President Barzani has maintained frequent contacts with US officials, including detailed discussions with Tom Barrack, to address the situation and present the Kurdistan Region’s perspective.
“The Americans support the truce,” he confirmed.
He also noted backing from SDF leader Mazloum Abdi and Ilham Ahmed, who are ready for the ceasefire extension.
“The Syrian government, despite its demands, also sees no alternative but to avoid escalation. There is a shared understanding, and an official decision is expected soon,” Shahab said.
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