21-22.01.26
New ceasfire – Multiple Violations
On January 20th, a 4-day ceasfire was anounced. The Syrian Transitional Government (STG) announced that during this time they will not advance further into Heseke or Qamishlo. The ceasfire is presented as a time given to SDF to discuss the proposal of the STG for dissolution of SDF, the intergration of SDF territories into Syria, and for its fighters to join the ranks of the new Syrian Army on individual basis.
The ceasefire is not fully respected by STG and SNA fighters who continue attacks, but is has halted the advances of the STG. So far though, there is not an outlook for a more peaceful solution after the 4 days end. In various villages though, spread over the current frontline, there are attacks by the Syrian army. Two Turkish drone strikes hit one internal security forces (Asayish) point and a hospital in Qamishli. At least 6 violations from STG of the ceasefire were reported within the first 19 hours by the SDF press office.
Civilians Take Up Arms
The existential threat NES is facing as a whole, moves many families and individuals to pick up arms and take their place in the defense of their homes and cities. Many have joined YPG/YPJ, neighborhood watches, etc. The mobilization is called for by the SDF, but the society-wide response is voluntary.
Besieged Kobane
Kobane is besieged with either Turkish or Syrian enemy on all sides. Water, basic food supplies, electricity, and internet are completely cut off. Meanwhile, Turkey moves heavy artillery, tanks, and troops to the border, right next to Kobane. In Pirsus, just across the border, protestors have gathered in support.
Al Ya’rubiah
STG advances into Al Yarubiah at the border of NES to Kurdistan-Iraq after SDF had to withdraw. Syrian state aligned media claim that an ammunition depot exploded on STG soldiers because the SDF mined it while withdrawing. The SDF says this is a misleading claim, and that they did not carry out such an operation. The SDF-press statement says that “According to confirmed information available to us, the explosion resulted from an accident during the transfer of ammunition by Damascus factions, and our forces have no connection to it whatsoever.”
SDF Withdrawal from Al-Hol Camp
Because of lack of support from the international coalition, the SDF could no longer ensure the security of al-Hol camp. The Ministry of Interior of STG Declare Al Hol Camp as “Restricted Area”. The current state of the camp in unclear, with some allegations of STG forces letting people leave the camp, others saying that there are clashes.
Released ISIS Members
RIC reports that there are reports of ISIS detainees being released from at least four prisons now in control of the STG, with detainees of two additional prisons also being led out but the affiliation of these prisoners cannot be confirmed at this time. These prisons house tens of thousands of ISIS members. They could pose a serious threat to the security of civilians in NES. Where all these prisoners went is unclear. Though Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) say to have caputred Mahmoud Hassan al-Jubouri, a high-ranking ISIS member while he attempted to cross from Syria into Iraq.
To prevent ISIS from regrouping, US organises the transfer of up to 7,000 ISIS prisoners from NES to Iraq. About 150 detainees have already been transferred. This follows a conversation between al Sharaa and US admiral Brad Cooper.
With Raqqa taken over by STG and Al Aqtaan prison besieged for days, a safe corridor is now demanded for the remaining SDF fighters who kept the position defending the prison of falling into Syrian army hands, thus seeking out a possibility for safe withdrawal.
If you want to read more on the details and consequences of this, check out:
https://rojavainformationcenter.org/2026/01/isis-escapes-as-a-result-of-syrian-army-assault/
SNA and STG Affiliates Attempt to Subvert DAANES
There are reports of individuals going around talking to civilians trying to spark insurgent efforts against the SDF. Civilians are scared by this. At the same time, there are several tribes changing sides, leaving SDF to join STG.
Syrian Army Advances Remind of Past Jihadist Aggressions
SDF posted a video alledgedly showing SDF fighters beign beheaded by the Syrian army. Some rhetoric of Syrian officials and treatments of SDF captives are a reminder of past behaviour of Al-Qaeda and ISIS in their cruelty.
Druze in Suweida Rise Up
Seizing the moment where STG is busy fighting the SDF in NES, Druze in Suweida, Southern Syria, call to take up arms again to push back against the STG forces in solidarity with the resistance in NES.
Protests Gain Traction
In various cities all around Europe thousands take to the street regularly protesting the attacks. Kurdish unity is strengthened with KRG (Kurdistan-Iraq) flags displayed alongside YPG/YPJ flags, as well as material help from KRG coming into Rojava. In Davos, where heads of states are meeting for the world economic forum, people protested against the invitation of Syrian transitional president Al Sharaa. In Turkey, at the border to NES, protesters are met with brutal violence, including beatings, water canons and even life ammunition. Thousands were protesting in Nusaybin, on the Turkish border next to NES. Many were arrested, including journalists. Despite repressions, a vigil is maintained at the border.
Growing Concerns For Shengal
The Yezidi population of Shengal has expressed its worries for their safety with the growing tension in the region, and specifically the escaped/released ISIS prisoners. The Yezidi population faced genocide at the hands of ISIS in 2013. Some families have fled or are preparing to flee toward Duhok, Kurdistan-Iraq. The Iraqi Ministry of Defense has deployed additional forces to the Iraq-Syria border and the the 74th Brigade of Hashd al-Shaabi (shia militias) sent forces to the Shengal border for security purpose, to protect civilians and ensure security.
Turkey Among Those Joining Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’
Trump basically seeks replace the UN with his own version of a ‘Board of Peace’ that suits his own interests to allegedly find a peace deal for Palestine. Turkey, alongside Middle Eastern and Central Asian states such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Pakistan, and Indonesia joins Trump’s efforts.