Published: 10:16, January 21, 2026
Syria declares four-day ceasefire to support talks with SDF
By Xinhua
A fighter with the Syrian Democratic Forces guards a checkpoint on the Deir Hafer-Aleppo road, in Deir Hafer, Syria, Jan 16, 2026, (PHOTO / AP)

DAMASCUS - Syria's Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday a four-day ceasefire across all operational sectors of the Syrian army, effective from 8:00 pm local time, as part of efforts to support recently reached understandings with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

In a statement carried by state media, the ministry said the ceasefire was declared in commitment to the agreements reached with the SDF and in pursuit of national efforts aimed at preserving security and stability.

The announcement comes amid ongoing negotiations between the Syrian interim authority and the Kurdish-led SDF over administrative and military integration in northeastern Syria, particularly in Hasakah province, following weeks of heightened tensions and sporadic clashes.

ALSO READ: Syrian military expands in northeast as attacks test deal with Kurdish-led forces

Syrian officials have described the pause in military operations as a confidence-building measure intended to facilitate dialogue and allow space for the implementation of agreed mechanisms, while preventing further escalation on the ground.

The ceasefire follows a series of political and security developments, including talks on integrating SDF forces into state institutions and managing sensitive files related to security, governance, and counterterrorism in northern and eastern Syria.