The Pentagon has confirmed that a ceasefire has been established between Turkey and the US-backed SDF in northern Syria

The Pentagon issued a statement on December 31, 2024, indicating that the ceasefire between Turkey and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria is still in effect. The ceasefire, which was established earlier this month, is concentrated on the city of Manbij, a critical region in the ongoing conflict between Turkish forces and Kurdish militia groups. Despite the initial skepticism of Turkish officials, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh has verified that the truce is still in effect.

The United States and Turkey have been at variance regarding the involvement of Kurdish groups in Syria, particularly the People's Defense Units (YPG). Turkey regards the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group that Ankara has designated as a terrorist organization. The U.S. has relied heavily on the YPG, which is the foundation of the SDF, as a critical ally in the battle against ISIS. American forces have provided assistance to the Kurdish-led militia. Turkey, on the other hand, regards the presence of Kurdish militants in northern Syria as a direct threat to its national security, which has resulted in increased tensions in the region.

In the midst of an intensifying conflict in Syria, where various rebel groups continue to challenge the government of Bashar al-Assad, the ceasefire was established after combat broke out earlier in December. The Pentagon has assured the public that the ceasefire agreement remains unaltered, despite Turkey's dismissive posture on the matter, which a Turkish defense ministry official stated was not being discussed on December 19. Currently, the United States has approximately 2,000 personnel stationed in Syria, collaborating with the SDF to avert the resurgence of ISIS militants. It is worth noting that ISIS once dominated significant portions of both Syria and Iraq before being effectively defeated.

The ceasefire in northern Syria has provided a temporary respite in an otherwise unstable region, but the situation remains fraught. Although the agreement between Turkey and the SDF offers some respite, the geopolitical landscape in Syria is still being influenced by the broader issues of Kurdish autonomy and the fight against ISIS. The U.S. and Turkey are currently negotiating their intricate relationship in the face of competing interests.