Damascus accused the Kurdish-led SDF of attacks that it says killed 11 soldiers and wounded 25, while the SDF disputed those claims and said at least one deadly blast occurred as Syrian troops moved explosives. The incidents threaten to derail a four-day ceasefire intended to enable SDF integration into the central state. The U.S. urged the SDF to accept the deal and conducted a mission to transfer Islamic State prisoners to Iraq, while Turkey demanded the group disarm and disband.
Syria Accuses SDF Of Breaking Ceasefire, Jeopardizing Kurdish Integration Deal
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters walk near an armored vehicle, following clashes between SDF and Syrian government forces, in Hasakah, Syria, January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Orhan Qereman
Damascus on Jan. 21 accused the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of a series of attacks that it says killed 11 soldiers and wounded 25 on Wednesday, claims the SDF disputes. At least one deadly blast, the SDF says, occurred while Syrian troops were moving explosives; Damascus says a drone strike killed seven soldiers securing a captured base, an allegation the SDF denied.
What Happened
The incidents come on the first day of a four-day ceasefire announced on Tuesday, intended to pave the way for the SDF's integration into the central state. Damascus says the SDF launched attacks that killed 11 soldiers and wounded 25. The SDF acknowledged a blast but said it was caused by explosives being handled by Syrian forces; it denied conducting any drone strike.
On the Ground
Reuters reporters in northeast Syria said government troops remained positioned outside the last major Kurdish-held cities of Hasakah and Qamishli. The government moved significant reinforcements into the area the previous evening, including convoys of tanks, armoured vehicles and buses carrying fighters. Troops halted their advance after the ceasefire announcement and awaited further orders depending on the SDF's response.
International Reactions
The United States urged the SDF to accept the government's offer and said it launched a mission to transfer Islamic State prisoners to Iraq. Turkey, which regards the SDF as linked to the PKK, demanded that the group disarm and disband to avoid further bloodshed. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the ceasefire and said he hoped 'full integration' of the SDF into Syria would open a new chapter.
Why This Matters
The government offensive and the disputed incidents put years of Kurdish de facto autonomy in northeast Syria at risk and could reshape relations with the United States and Turkey. The outcome will also affect the future of thousands of detained Islamic State militants and civilians held in facilities guarded by the SDF. SDF leader Mazloum Abdi has said protecting Kurdish-majority areas remains a 'red line.'
Key factual claims: Damascus alleges an SDF drone strike killed seven soldiers at an explosives-laden base; the SDF blames at least one deadly blast on Syrian troops moving explosives and denies carrying out strikes. Both sides' accounts remain disputed.
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