Top GOP Senator Calls Syria Ceasefire A Positive Step but Warns Actions Must Match Words

Syrian government forces launched a rapid offensive across territory long administered by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), culminating in a tentative ceasefire Sunday. While some U.S. officials cautiously welcomed the pause, Kurdish leaders, analysts and lawmakers warned that promises must be followed by concrete protections on the ground.

Some locals welcome the Syrian army following the withdrawal of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in Tabqa, Syria, Jan. 18, 2026.(Reuters)

Senator Risch: Ceasefire Welcome, But Implementation Is Key

Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Fox News Digital he viewed Syria’s decree to respect Kurdish rights as "a good sign," but cautioned that "the conduct of its forces on the ground must match" those words. Risch stressed that internal divisions among U.S. partners in Syria risk empowering groups such as ISIS and advancing the interests of regional adversaries.

Jim Risch, R-Idaho., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Fox News Digital, "The Syrian government’s decree to respect Kurdish rights is a good sign, but the conduct of its forces on the ground must match."

"Division and violence in Syria between U.S. partners only benefit bad actors like ISIS and Iran... I welcome the announcement of a ceasefire and will be watching its implementation closely." — Sen. Jim Risch

Allegations of Abuses and Unverified Footage

Reports cited footage allegedly showing forces linked to interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa releasing detained Islamic State fighters in al-Tabqah (Tabqa). The footage was widely shared on social media and reported by Kurdistan 24; Fox News Digital could not independently verify the material. Other outlets and analysts have raised allegations of abuses by pro-government forces in recently captured areas.

Soldiers of the Syrian army in the entrance of Sheik Maksoud neighborhood during continuing fighting between the Syrian forces and the SDF on Jan. 10, 2026 in Aleppo, Syria. A ceasefire announced yesterday did not take hold as fighting continued between the Syrian army and Kurdish fighters in the Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods of Aleppo. Overnight, the army announced that it had completed a security sweep of the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood.

Kurdish Leaders Demand Guarantees

Sipan Hamo, a commander in the People's Protection Units (YPG), part of the SDF, said a meeting between U.S. envoy Tom Barrack and Kurdish officials produced no concrete roadmap for a ceasefire. Hamo rejected claims that Syrian Kurds seek secession, insisting their future lies within a united Syria, and urged stronger guarantees from the United States or the international coalition amid what he described as chaotic conditions.

U.S. forces provide military training to members of the SDF in the Qamisli district in the Al-Hasakah province, Syria on Aug. 18, 2023.

U.S. Envoy Frames Deal As Opportunity

The State Department directed Fox News Digital to a post on X by U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, who praised a reported agreement between SDF leader Mazloum Abdi and al-Sharaa as a potential turning point. In his post, Barrack wrote that the leaders had "come together to forge a brighter future for all Syrians" and said the United States hoped for the "seamless integration" of Kurdish partners into broader efforts against ISIS.

In this March 23, 2019, file photo, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters pose for a photo in Baghouz, Syria, after the SDF declared the area free of Islamic State militants.

Analysts: Actions Undermine Stability

Kurdish affairs analyst Mutlu Civiroglu told Fox News Digital that many Kurds view al-Sharaa’s moves as undermining international efforts to stabilize Syria and as exploiting political openings to inflame tensions. Civiroglu posted footage he said showed supporters of al-Sharaa toppling a statue of a female Kurdish fighter after Tabqa was seized — a town Kurdish forces had helped liberate from ISIS in 2017.

A group of civilians smashes a statue of a female Syrian Democratic Forces fighter in the city of Tabqa after the Syrian army took control of it, in Tabqa, Syria, Jan. 18, 2026.

Counterterrorism expert Max Abrahms (Northeastern University) noted the YPG/SDF were central U.S. partners against ISIS and argued that continued support and assurances are important to prevent a resurgence of jihadist groups.

Territorial Gains and Political Fallout

Government forces reportedly captured towns on both banks of the Euphrates River and seized control of Syria’s largest oil and gas field during the offensive. The rapid gains have intensified Kurdish calls for protections and prompted political reactions in Washington: a separate report said 134 House Republicans demanded assurances before the U.S. eases sanctions on Syria.

Outlook

The ceasefire remains fragile. Observers say close monitoring, independent verification of alleged abuses (including the reported prisoner releases), and clear security guarantees will determine whether the pause leads to stabilization or a renewed cycle of violence. International partners are watching how commitments translate into action on the ground.