Syrian troops, Kurdish forces poised on front lines as truce deadline looms

Members of the Syrian security forces stand guard outside al-Aqtan prison, where some Islamic State detainees are held, in Raqqa, Syria January 23, 2026. REUTERS/Karam al-Masri

QAMISHLI, Syria, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Syrian ‌troops and Kurdish forces were massed on opposing sides of front lines in northern Syria on Saturday, as the clock ticked down ‌to an evening deadline that would determine whether they resume fighting or lay down their arms.

Neighbouring Turkey, as well as some ‌officials in Syria, said late on Friday that the deadline could be extended.