DAMASCUS, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Heavy fighting broke out early Monday in areas around the northern Syrian city of Kobani, also known as Ain al-Arab, amid mutual accusations between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Damascus-linked forces of violating a recently extended ceasefire.
In a statement, the SDF said forces affiliated with Damascus launched coordinated attacks from multiple axes starting around 2 a.m. local time, targeting the towns of Kharab Ashk and al-Jalabiya west and south of Kobani.
The SDF said intense clashes erupted and were ongoing, adding that the attacking forces brought in military reinforcements, including tanks and armored vehicles.
The SDF described the assaults as a "clear and explicit breach" of the ceasefire agreement and held Damascus responsible for the security and humanitarian consequences, calling on ceasefire guarantors to intervene urgently to halt the fighting.
Syria's defense authority, however, accused the SDF of launching more than 25 FPV-type suicide drones from positions around Kobani toward civilian homes and roads in the Sarrin area south of the city, saying the attacks caused multiple injuries among residents. The authority did not provide further details on casualties.
The developments came as the humanitarian situation around Kobani remained dire. State media reported the continued flow of aid convoys toward the area, alongside government efforts to restore infrastructure and basic services following recent security arrangements. At the same time, journalists on the ground said families had begun leaving Kobani through the Nur Ali humanitarian corridor, which the Syrian army's operations authority has designated as a safe passage for civilians.
The latest escalation comes despite a 15-day ceasefire extension announced by Syria's defense authority late Saturday, which Damascus said was intended to support the transfer of Islamic State detainees from SDF-held prisons to Iraq and to prevent further destabilization in northern and eastern Syria.
Kobani and its surrounding areas have experienced repeated bouts of violence in recent weeks, even as Syrian authorities and the SDF remain formally engaged in talks aimed at de-escalation. ■
