The first day of the extended ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) saw a series of reported violations, including attacks on civilian areas, arrests of residents, and strikes on Syrian military positions. The truce, extended for 15 days starting at 11pm Jan. 24, was intended to de-escalate tensions in northern Syria and facilitate the transfer of ISIS detainees.
Despite those assurances, the Syrian Civil Defense, known as the White Helmets, reported SDF forces fired mortars from areas under their control in Ain al-Arab (Kobani) targeting the entrance of Jamal village in the Jarablus countryside of Aleppo province. The organization said no casualties were recorded, though the shelling caused material damage. Later the same day, a missile fired from the same area struck a house in the village of Hawi near Jarablus, again without reported injuries, according to the White Helmets.
Civilian Deaths and Arrest Campaigns in Hasakah
Local sources told the New Arab two young men were killed by SDF gunfire in Hasakah province. One victim, Basil Muhammad al-Hanawi, was from the village of Gharika near Qahtaniyah, while the second, Farhan Ali al-Farhan, was killed near the Ghazl roundabout in Hasakah city. The sources said the shootings occurred amid heightened security operations following the ceasefire extension.
In the same context, residents reported SDF forces carried out raids in several villages near Darbasiyah, north of Hasakah city, arresting a number of young men. According to SANA, SDF units also besieged families near the village of Shuyoukh while attempting to detain their sons, leading to clashes with residents and injuries among civilians.
Drone Attacks on Army Positions and Infrastructure
The Syrian army accused the SDF of escalating military violations near Ain al-Arab by launching over 25 FPV-type suicide drones at army positions. The evening of Jan. 25, the military said the attacks destroyed four army vehicles and injured several civilians along the M4 highway and in nearby villages. The statement added the army is “studying its field options” in response to what it described as a “dangerous escalation” targeting both soldiers and civilians.
The Defense Ministry also announced they intercepted and shot down several SDF drones near Ain al-Arab before they could strike roads and residential areas. A Levant24 correspondent reported that the SDF also targeted the town of Sarrin and surrounding villages with over 15 suicide drones starting midday Sunday. The strikes caused material damage to civilian vehicles and homes, though no casualties were reported.
Conflicting Claims and Rising Tensions
For its part, the SDF said its forces were responding to attacks by the Syrian army in several villages around Ain al-Arab, including Shuyoukh, Zirik and Jalabiyah. In a statement carried by Hawar News Agency, the group said it was exercising what it called its “legitimate right to self-defense” and accused Damascus of violating the ceasefire.
These exchanges came days after the Syrian government and the SDF agreed to extend a four-day truce, first announced Tuesday, into a 15-day ceasefire starting Jan. 24. The Defense Ministry said the extension aimed to support humanitarian efforts and security arrangements tied to the Jan. 18 agreement between the two sides.
Humanitarian Measures Amid Uncertainty
As fighting flared, the Syrian military announced the opening of two humanitarian corridors allowing aid deliveries and evacuations. One corridor was established on the Raqqa-Hasakah road near the village of Tel Baroud, and the second at the Ain al-Arab junction on the M4 highway near Nour Ali village.
Renewed violence raises questions regarding the viability of the ceasefire and its ability to shield civilians in densely populated areas. While both sides continue to trade accusations, residents across Aleppo and Hasakah remain caught between military actions and fragile political understandings that have yet to bring lasting calm.
