On Monday evening, President Masoud Barzani held a phone call with Tom Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, and discussed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire between Kurdish forces and Syrian government forces.

“During the call, they discussed the situation and the latest developments in the region in general, and in Syria in particular. Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining and upholding the ceasefire currently in place between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Syrian government forces,” the readout from President Barzani’s headquarters said.

Furthermore, they also underscored the importance of delivering humanitarian assistance to Western Kurdistan (northern Syria) – especially to Kobani – and ensuring that such aid continues uninterrupted.The town of Kobani has been besieged and is suffering from a lack of electricity, fuel, and resources. So far, five children in the city have died due to malnutrition and the harsh winter conditions.

U.S. Ambassador Barrack confirmed in a post on X that he had a “productive phone call this evening with his excellency Masoud Barzani to discuss the situation in Syria and the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian assistance to those in need, especially in Kobani.” 

Although Damascus announced a 15-day ceasefire extension starting from January 24, heavy clashes have continued. On Monday, government forces continued to attack Kurdish defending forces near Kobani, and the village of al-Safa in Cil Agha (Al-Jawadiya), a strategic region, which lies on the road between the border town of Derik and Qamishli in Western Kurdistan.If the road is cut, the people of Qamishli would be besieged, just like the Kurdish defenders in Kobani. Local reports indicate that there have been no clashes on Tuesday morning.