Six violations in NE, Syria within week of ceasefire announcement

On October 7th, the Defense Minister of the Syrian Interim Government announced the achievement of an agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces that stipulates an immediate cessation of hostilities and military operations, during a meeting held in Damascus between the two parties.

However, the ceasefire agreement between the SDF and the Syrian Interim Government forces was violated six times within a week of its announcement, with most incidents occurring during the initial days, reflecting a lack of commitment to the terms of the accord.

Shelling and Attacks

On October 9th, the Syria tel Hill and the vicinity of the Tishrin Dam in North and East Syria were subjected to heavy artillery shelling by the Syrian Interim Government forces.

On the same day, the SDF reported that forces of the Syrian Interim Government launched an attack from their controlled areas on a position in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, resulting in the martyrdom of one fighter and injuries to nine others of varying severity.

The SDF confirmed that their fighters responded to the source of fire, inflicting casualties on the attackers.

Concurrently with the shelling, the Syrian Interim Government forces established three new checkpoints around the entrances to the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods, where personnel stationed at these checkpoints detained civilians and obstructed traffic flow. On October 10th, the Deir Hafer crossing came under attack by the Syrian Interim Government forces.

At the same time, the Internal Security Forces in Aleppo disclosed a violation by the Syrian Interim Government forces near the Jandoul Roundabout  in the industrial area where a military point was established near the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood.

On October 13th, the Syrian Interim Government forces attempted to infiltrate the countryside of Tishrin Dam in North and East Syria, but the SDF thwarted the attempt, resulting in the death of one infiltrator.

Continued Responsiveness from the Autonomous Administration and SDF and Commitment to Responsibility

Despite these violations, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria affirms its readiness to engage in dialogue with the Interim Government based on Syrian-to-Syrian national dialogue, free of foreign interference.

The Syrian Democratic Forces and the Internal Security Forces have also reiterated their commitment to upholding the agreements made.

In this context, Zahir Afrin, a commander of the SDF on the Deir Hafer fronts, stated in remarks to ANHA agency: “We remain committed to the ceasefire agreed upon with the Interim Government,” clarifying that “the violations originated from their side.”

ANHA