Turkey Rejects U.S. Ceasefire Claim, Denies Truce with SDF in Northern Syria

Dec 19, 2024, 09:06 AM

Turkish defense officials have denied reports of a ceasefire in northern Syria between Turkey and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stating there is "no agreement on truce" and that Turkey does not negotiate with terrorist organizations, suggesting that the U.S. statement was a "slip of the tongue." They emphasized that Turkey will continue preventive measures against terrorist groups and will press until the Kurdish militias lay down their arms. Clashes and mutual shelling have been reported between the SDF and Turkish-backed factions around the Tishrin Dam area in the eastern Aleppo countryside. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported heavy fighting near the dam and in Manbij.