SDF, Damascus Conduct Settlement Operations

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi at a ceremony in northeastern Syria early this month (AFP)
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi at a ceremony in northeastern Syria early this month (AFP)
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SDF, Damascus Conduct Settlement Operations

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi at a ceremony in northeastern Syria early this month (AFP)
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi at a ceremony in northeastern Syria early this month (AFP)

The Military Council of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) held a meeting with the dignitaries and sheikhs of different regions of al-Hasakah Governorate, while regime forces sought to impose “compromises” in Deir Ezzor.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that the Military Council of SDF organized a meeting with tribes’ dignitaries from al-Hasakah province, in al-Ivan Hall, south of Darbasiyah, to address the demands of the people and to consult with tribes’ dignitaries on the release of 850 detainees arrested by the SDF.

It noted that the detainees were arrested on charges of belonging to ISIS.

Tribes’ dignitaries have also called on improving the living conditions of the people in the region, providing basic services, adequate fuel for agriculture, and supporting the agricultural sector.

SOHR sources reported that Syria Democratic Forces were preparing to release a large number of detainees arrested earlier for “belonging to ISIS”, as it was expected that at least 850 prisoners, mostly from Deir Ezzor and al-Hasakah, would be freed. This development came after mediation by tribes’ dignitaries in the region.

In parallel, SOHR pointed to “settlement and reconciliation” operations that the regime’s security services started in the city of Deir Ezzor and Al-Mayadin, in the presence of high-ranking leaders and intelligence officers.

It added that the head of the Syrian General Intelligence Department, Major General Hossam Louka, and the leaders of some security branches, arrived in the city of Al-Mayadin, which is under the control of pro-Iranian militias, to start the “settlement” operations for those wanted by the security branches and those who have failed the mandatory service.



Israel's Ambassador to US Says the 2 Countries are Discussing Israeli Withdrawal from Lebanon

Lebanese army soldiers patrol in Bint Jbeil after Lebanese authorities permitted the return of citizens who fled the city during the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon, 20 January 2025. EPA/STR
Lebanese army soldiers patrol in Bint Jbeil after Lebanese authorities permitted the return of citizens who fled the city during the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon, 20 January 2025. EPA/STR
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Israel's Ambassador to US Says the 2 Countries are Discussing Israeli Withdrawal from Lebanon

Lebanese army soldiers patrol in Bint Jbeil after Lebanese authorities permitted the return of citizens who fled the city during the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon, 20 January 2025. EPA/STR
Lebanese army soldiers patrol in Bint Jbeil after Lebanese authorities permitted the return of citizens who fled the city during the hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon, 20 January 2025. EPA/STR

Israel’s ambassador to the United States says the two countries are in talks about the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon as a deadline in the ceasefire with Hezbollah militants approaches. Israeli media have reported that Israel is seeking to postpone the completion of its pullout.
Michael Herzog said in an interview with Israeli Army Radio on Thursday that he believed Israel would “reach an understanding” with the Trump administration, without elaborating.
Under the US-brokered ceasefire that ended more than a year of fighting linked to the war in the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces are supposed to complete their withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Sunday.
Israeli media have reported that Israel reached an understanding with the Biden administration on staying longer but that President Donald Trump is urging it to withdraw on time, reported The Associated Press.
There was no immediate comment from the United States.
Israeli officials have said Lebanese troops are not deploying fast enough in the areas Israeli troops are supposed to vacate. Under the ceasefire, the Lebanese army is to patrol a buffer zone in southern Lebanon alongside United Nations peacekeepers.
Hezbollah has threatened to resume its rocket and drone fire if Israel does not withdraw on time.