Last week, the National Defense Forces (NDF) and the People’s Protection Units (YPG) agreed to a facilitated ceasefire agreement that was brokered to end the violence between the 2 groups in the provincial capital of Al-Hasakah.

On Thursday morning, the 2 groups completed the 1st phase of the ceasefire agreement, releasing a number of detainees that both sides captured during their brief escalation of violence. According to a military source, at least 2 dozen NDF fighters were released from YPG captivity and escorted to a Syrian Government checkpoint. In turn, the NDF released 21 YPG fighters from their possession.

The 2 groups are now in the process of administering the 2nd phase, which includes the reopening of roads and checkpoint inside the provincial capital. Civilians will be allowed to travel to and from the YPG and NDF controlled areas; this was one of the demands made by the people of Al-Hasakah during negotiations.

Despite the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, brief skirmishes were reported between the 2 groups near the Syriac Orthodox church in Al-Hasakah – no casualties were reported; however, gunfire was exchanged.