The exchange process, which was intended to be implemented under the 29 January agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian Transitional Government, has not taken place since 11 April. No official explanation has been provided for the delay. Although the release of another group was reportedly agreed last week, it did not materialise.

 

According to information obtained by Hawar News Agency (ANHA) from sources, between 500 and 600 SDF members are currently held in government prisons.

 

Sources say the transitional government has repeatedly postponed the exchange process and has linked the file to administrative and political issues, including the Qamishlo Court case and matters related to integration. At the same time, the return of displaced residents from Afrin to their hometowns has also been halted. Informed sources stated that the monitoring committee established by the transitional government has similarly tied the returns to other administrative and political dossiers.

 

Under the implementation of the 29 January agreement, 100 SDF members were released on 10 March in exchange for 100 detainees held by transitional government forces. A second exchange took place on 19 March. In total, the arrangement led to the release of 300 SDF members and 300 detainees held by the transitional government. On 11 April, the transitional government released 400 individuals, while the SDF released 90.

 

Sîpan Hemo, Deputy Defence Minister for the Eastern Region, said in an interview with ANHA on Saturday, 2 May, that the issue of detainees and displaced persons falls under the responsibility of the Integration Committee and the Ministry of Interior. Hemo rejected claims that the matter is linked to political or administrative conditions.

 

The SDF has also stated that both the prisoner exchange and the return of displaced persons are key objectives of the agreement. Meanwhile, families in the Cizîrê (Jazire) and Kobanê (Kobani) regions continue to stage daily protests demanding the release of their relatives.