DAMASCUS, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- A 24-truck humanitarian convoy reached the Kobani region of northern Syria on Sunday, even as a shaky ceasefire between the interim authority and Kurdish-led forces showed signs of strain.
The shipment, coordinated by Syrian authorities and United Nations agencies, delivered food, medicine, and relief supplies to the area, also known as Ain al-Arab. Local officials said the delivery was intended to meet "urgent humanitarian needs" in eastern Aleppo province.
The move follows the Syrian interim authority's decision to extend a nationwide ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for 15 days. Damascus said the extension aims to stabilize the north, facilitate aid, and allow for the removal of heavy weapons from urban centers.
However, the truce remains fragile. The SDF reported clashes in villages west and southeast of Kobani on Sunday, accusing pro-Damascus forces of attacking just hours after the extension was announced. Damascus did not immediately comment on the claims.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, confirmed that the UN convoy reached the outskirts of Kobani amid widespread shortages of power, water, and communications.
The delivery comes as Syrian security forces deploy further into the outskirts of Kobani, including the town of Sarrin, where the interim authority says its forces are resuming "government services" and establishing checkpoints.
Located directly on the Turkish-Syrian border in eastern Aleppo province, Kobani is a predominantly Kurdish city. Its proximity to Türkiye makes it a vital hub for trade and humanitarian aid. However, this also makes it a target for Türkiye, which views the Kurdish forces there as a security threat.
For the interim authority in Damascus, controlling Kobani is essential to restoring the country's "territorial integrity" and breaking the autonomy of the Kurdish-led SDF. ■
