Netherlands urges commitment to Rojava ceasefire, ‘inclusive’ political process in Syria

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Dutch government on Monday warned, in remarks made to Rudaw, of the ramifications of the “complex and unpredictable” situation in northeastern Syria (Rojava), urging all sides of the conflict to commit to the declared ceasefire and move towards an “inclusive political process” as a way forward.

In an emailed statement, the Dutch Foreign Ministry described the situation in Rojava as “highly complex and unpredictable,” noting that the Netherlands continues to “monitor the situation closely.” It also “welcomes the ceasefire” that went into effect on Tuesday and was extended on Saturday, urging “all parties to commit to it.”

The ministry further underlined that “in all our contacts and communications, we emphasize the importance of a diplomatic solution and an inclusive political process to ensure stability and the safety of the Syrian civilian population.”

In mid-January, the Syrian Arab Army and affiliated armed groups launched a large-scale offensive to retake areas in eastern Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Hasaka that the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had controlled for nearly a decade.

The SDF, the de facto military force in Rojava and a key US-led Coalition ally, played a crucial role in defeating ISIS territorially in 2019. Since then, the Kurdish-led forces maintained control over the areas they liberated, much of which has now been recaptured by Damascus and its allied forces.

Amid the offensive, the SDF announced that it had lost control over several facilities holding ISIS detainees, including the al-Shaddadi prison in southern Hasaka, with reports indicating that between 120 and 1,500 detainees may have escaped during the violence.

The Kurdish-led forces were also forced to withdraw from the notorious al-Hol camp in Hasaka, which houses individuals with alleged links to ISIS. Rojava officials last week confirmed to Rudaw that a total of 7,130 families - or 25,183 individuals - were held at al-Hol prior to the SDF’s withdrawal.

In its email to Rudaw, the Dutch foreign ministry said, “The Netherlands has, with concern, taken note of reports this week regarding the situation in prisons and camps holding ISIS fighters.”

The ministry added, “We urge all relevant parties to ensure security, irrespective of political developments,” noting that “the Netherlands, as a member of the anti-ISIS [Global] Coalition, remains steadfast in its commitment to combat ISIS.”

Niyaz Mustafa contributed to this report from Erbil, Kurdistan Region.