By Micah Jonah, January 28, 2026
Residents of the last major Kurdish controlled enclave in Syria have remained on high alert despite an ongoing ceasefire, as tensions continue between Kurdish forces and the Islamist led government in Damascus.
In Qamishli, a Kurdish majority city in northeastern Syria, civilians including mechanics, traders and students have joined night patrols to protect their neighbourhoods, expressing little confidence in the current ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire, backed by the United States and recently extended for 15 days, has failed to fully stop clashes, with reports of sporadic fighting in parts of the region.
Government forces under President Ahmed al Sharaa have continued to press for the integration of remaining Kurdish administered areas into the Syrian state after taking control of large parts of the north and east previously held by the Syrian Democratic Forces, SDF.
Although the President has pledged to respect Kurdish rights and recently recognized the Kurdish language as a national language, residents in Qamishli said they remain fearful due to previous incidents of violence against minority communities in areas now under government control.
Several minority groups including Alawites and Druze were affected by clashes with government aligned forces last year, leading to hundreds of deaths and raising concerns among Kurdish communities about possible future attacks.
A senior government official acknowledged that some abuses had occurred during recent military operations and confirmed that arrests had been made, adding that authorities were committed to accountability and preventing further violations.
Meanwhile, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi said talks with Damascus were ongoing and that his forces were prepared for both military confrontation and political settlement, insisting that Kurdish rights must be guaranteed within the Syrian state.
Government troops have reportedly advanced near the outskirts of Hasakah and surrounded the Kurdish held town of Kobani near the Turkish border, further heightening security concerns in the region.
Human rights groups have also warned that both sides may have committed actions that violate international law during the latest escalation.
While some residents expressed hope that negotiations could lead to a peaceful resolution, others fear that government control could weaken local self rule and threaten social freedoms, particularly women’s rights.
Syrian officials have said constitutional reforms addressing Kurdish demands would only follow after full integration agreements are implemented, a position that continues to divide opinion among Kurdish political groups and civil society leaders.
