Ceasefire extended in Syria

The ceasefire between the Syrian administration and the SDF has been extended for another 15 days.

In a statement made on its account on the US-based X social media platform, the Syrian Ministry of Defense provided information regarding the new ceasefire process reached with the terrorist organization SDF.

The statement, which indicated that the ceasefire has been extended by 15 days, included the following:

"We announce that we are extending the period for the Syrian Arab Army to halt all operations for 15 days, effective as of 23:00 on January 24, 2026."

Addressing the reason for extending the ceasefire with the terrorist organization SDF, the statement noted that the extension was due to the process of the US transferring ISIS detainees from prisons under SDF control to Iraq.

The 4-day temporary ceasefire reached between the Syrian administration and the SDF ended at 20:00 Turkish time.

No statement has yet been made by the Syrian administration regarding whether the ceasefire would be extended.

Speaking to the official Syrian news agency SANA, an unnamed Syrian official pointed out that the time allotted for the ceasefire had expired and stated that "the Damascus administration is evaluating its options."

The operation launched by the Syrian army on January 16 against the terrorist organization SDF in areas west of the Euphrates River later expanded to the east of the river with the participation of tribes, and the majority of the territories occupied by the organization came under the control of the Syrian administration.

The Ceasefire and Full Integration Agreement reached between the Damascus administration and the SDF on January 18 includes provisions such as the organization's complete withdrawal from the Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor provinces east of the Euphrates, the transfer of public institutions in Hasakah to the state, the placement of all border crossings and energy resources under the control of the central authority, and the individual integration of SDF elements into the security forces.

Clashes resumed on January 19 after the SDF refused to comply with the agreement.

In a statement on January 20, the Syrian administration announced that it had granted the terrorist organization YPG a 4-day period for integration and had declared a ceasefire.

HUMANITARIAN CORRIDOR TO BE OPENED FOR CIVILIANS

The Syrian army reported that a humanitarian corridor will be opened for civilians in Hasakah, which is under the occupation of the terrorist organization SDF, and that operational options are being evaluated.

126 CHILDREN RELEASED

Many children held captive by the SDF were rescued from the Al-Aktan Prison in Raqqa province, which Syrian security forces took control of last night following operations against elements of the SDF, the Syrian branch of the terrorist organization PKK/YPG. Syrian security sources stated to the local press that the Syrian Internal Security Forces had liberated 126 captives under the age of 18. Speaking to members of the press, one child said they were subjected to various forms of torture while held captive by the SDF.

Local sources noted that the rescued children were taken to the Raqqa Palace of Justice to be reunited with their families.

Families call for the release of their relatives

This development occurred as families, who stated that their relatives were detained by the SDF on "baseless or intentional charges," gathered around the prison, and as expectations grew for the release of those held by the terrorist organization. In this context, the Syrian Ministry of Interior has launched a comprehensive investigation into the inmates held at Al-Aktan Prison.

Some government officials addressed the families, confirming that all individuals who were unjustly detained would be released as soon as possible. However, the officials emphasized that this process requires a meticulous, case-by-case review of each detainee's file. The officials pointed out that some detainees were convicted of criminal offenses such as drug trafficking, murder, and rape, noting that the SDF had previously held all detainees in the same facility without any classification. The statement indicated that file review and legal oversight are mandatory before any detainee is released.

Following the Syrian army's takeover of Al-Aktan Prison yesterday evening, a statement from the Syrian Ministry of Interior said, "Specialized teams have been formed from the counter-terrorism department and other relevant institutions to take over the duties of protecting the prison, ensuring its security, and bringing the security situation inside under control."