Eastern Aleppo ceasefire fails as Syrian forces reject key terms

The temporary truce between the Syrian National Army (SNA) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in eastern Aleppo has collapsed, with no agreement reached, despite US mediation efforts. 

The truce, which was intended to ease tensions between the two factions, fell apart when the SNA refused to transport detainees and fighters from the Manbij Military Council, along with civilians from Manbij City, to safer areas, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) monitoring group. 

The civilians, many of whom are unwilling to leave, and the unresolved issue of relocating the remnants of the Suleiman Shah tomb have complicated any potential resolution.

Meanwhile, Türkiye has increased its military presence in the region. Heavy reinforcements, including armoured vehicles and advanced weaponry, have been sent to areas near Ain Al-Arab City (Kobani).  

This comes amid information regarding a state of alert by Turkish forces in Türkiye, adjacent to Ain Al-Arab City (Kobani).

On December 16, according to SOHR, Turkish-backed factions were rejecting the entry of convoys of the Kurdish Red Crescent and the “Autonomous Administration” that aim to evacuate those refusing to stay in Manbij City, detainees and bodies of the dead, according to a ceasefire agreement between Turkish forces and Turkish-backed factions on one hand and “SDF” on the other hand with US mediation, and met with a delegation of Turkish-backed factions.

By Khagan Isayev