Switzerland calls for de-escalation of tensions in Rojava

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Switzerland calls for de-escalation in northeast Syria (Rojava), voicing deep concern over the worsening humanitarian and security situation amid ongoing clashes and reported violations of international law.

In a statement to Rudaw’s Niyaz Mustafa on Saturday, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said that “Switzerland is deeply concerned about the situation in north-east Syria, in particular the current tensions between different population groups. It is closely monitoring developments in the region and beyond.”

Since mid-January, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and allied groups have advanced into areas previously controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), including parts of eastern Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and the predominantly Kurdish Hasaka province. These advances have raised concerns among Kurdish communities in Rojava.

The Swiss foreign ministry urged all parties to respect international norms and humanitarian principles, stressing continued engagement with authorities in Damascus.

“Switzerland calls for a de-escalation and urges all actors to respect international law, including international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights law,” the statement said.

The statement detailed that the European country is in “regular contact with the transitional government and regularly reminds the transitional authorities of their obligations under international law.”

Bern also reaffirmed its support for an inclusive political process in Syria “that involves all segments of society and ensures the protection of the human rights of all population groups,” the ministry added.

Concerns have intensified amid reports that Damascus-affiliated factions facilitated the escape of ISIS detainees from SDF-run facilities. A ceasefire agreement signed earlier this month, aimed at integrating SDF structures into Syrian state institutions, has been repeatedly violated, increasing fears of renewed displacement, broader regional instability, and risks to ISIS detention facilities.

On Tuesday, the Syrian presidency announced that Damascus and the SDF had reached a “mutual understanding” on several issues. Under the agreement, the SDF was granted a four-day consultation period to submit a detailed plan for integrating areas under its control.

As part of the arrangement, the Syrian Arab Army announced early Friday that it had begun transferring SDF fighters from al-Aqtan prison and surrounding areas in Raqqa province to the city of Kobane.