Syria: army and democratic forces reach ceasefire deal

The Syrian army and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) struck a ceasefire deal within two of Aleppo city’s districts, as reported by Asharq Al-Awsat via SANA on October 7th, following escalating friction between both parties.

The ceasefire follows a military build-up by the Syrian army with the SDF in northeast Syria. The Syrian Defense Ministry claimed that the recent troop redeployment was done in order to stifle attacks and territorial claims conducted by the SDF, rather than to escalate conflict.

According to witnesses, the Syrian army had sealed off two areas under the SDF’s control, leading to demonstrations. During the subsequent protests and clashes, residents reported a rocket fired from within the districts, damaging residential areas. Furthermore, a security officer is said to have been killed.

The clash threatened to derail an agreement brokered by the US aiming to integrate the SDF into Syria’s state institutions. The deal was reached in March, putting the country on the path towards peace and unification after 14 years of prior conflict.

SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami denied that the SDF had been targeting checkpoints and called the government’s actions dangerous. He described the situation as a “siege”, and warned of worsening humanitarian conditions.

While both sides have reportedly accused one another of provoking the other side into escalation, US Syria envoy Tom Barrack and CENTCOM (US Central Command) Commander, Admiral Brad Cooper, reportedly met with SDF commander, General Mazloum Abdi, to fortify and rescue the ceasefire agreement.

The ceasefire mirrors a described “cautious optimism” held by civilians about the future of the country. However, it hasn’t solved other existing tensions in the country such as ministry members suspected civilian abuse.

While the ceasefire in Aleppo city is a temporary de-escalation of the conflict in Syria, it is unclear if the deal will go through as both parties proceed with caution, and political stability remains fragile.