Syria's defense ministry warns SDF against violating ceasefire, targeting army

Syria's Defense Ministry has formally warned the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against violating the ceasefire agreement signed on January 18 and targeting Syrian Army or Internal Security Force personnel. In a statement published on X, ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Hassan Abdul Ghani emphasized that SDF units "must adhere to the provisions of the Jan. 18 agreement and to the specified timeframe of the ceasefire."

Commitment to Ceasefire and National Unity

Abdul Ghani stressed the ministry's "sincere commitment to preventing bloodshed" and advancing a peaceful solution that preserves Syria's unity and stability. He reiterated the state's readiness to assume control of prisons holding ISIS detainees in the region and hand them over to interior ministry authorities. The spokesperson also sought to reassure Kurdish citizens of the state's commitment to their protection and property rights, framing the current process as part of building an inclusive "new Syria."

Context of the Hasakah Understanding

The warning follows an announcement early Tuesday by the Syrian presidency of a "mutual understanding" with the SDF regarding the future of Hasakah province. The Defense Ministry concurrently declared a four-day ceasefire, effective from 8 p.m. local time (1700 GMT). This diplomatic-military sequence underscores Damascus's strategy of coupling negotiations with firm warnings, aiming to enforce compliance while projecting an image of national reconciliation.

Implications for Northeast Syria's Stability

The public admonition signals that despite the ceasefire, trust remains fragile. Any armed incident could quickly derail the fragile understanding and trigger renewed clashes. The ministry's focus on assuming control of ISIS prisons highlights a key security concern and a potential point of friction, given the SDF's longstanding role in managing these facilities with international support. The coming days will test whether the ceasefire holds and if the political understanding translates into a stable transfer of authority in contested areas.