Syrian security forces are deployed at the Al-Hol camp in the northeastern province of Hasakah, Syria, Jan. 21, 2026. Syria's interior authorities and the army's operations authority issued urgent warnings on Wednesday, advising civilians in northern and eastern Syria to avoid former Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) positions, state news agency SANA reported. Syria's interior authorities declared the Al-Hol Camp and recently-secured detention facilities as prohibited security zones, adding that security forces are working to secure these areas, track down remaining Islamic State (IS) fugitives, and complete data collection. (Str/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Syria's interior authorities and the army's operations authority issued urgent warnings on Wednesday, advising civilians in northern and eastern Syria to avoid former Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) positions, state news agency SANA reported.

They said SDF fighters and Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)-linked elements had planted explosives in doors, corridors, tunnels and mosques, disguised as stones or construction blocks, and rigged furniture, civilian homes, and vehicles near public roads with booby traps, SANA reported.

They said the explosives had caused civilian and military casualties, and urged residents to report any suspicious objects immediately, SANA reported, without providing the exact number of casualties.

Separately, the interior authorities declared the Al-Hol Camp and recently-secured detention facilities as prohibited security zones, adding that security forces are working to secure these areas, track down remaining Islamic State (IS) fugitives, and complete data collection.

The SDF has yet to comment on the incidents.

The developments came amid heightened tensions in northern and eastern Syria, following a fragile agreement between the Syrian interim government and the SDF that includes ceasefire arrangements, troop withdrawals, and the gradual return of state authority. Recent clashes near facilities holding IS suspects and their families have increased concern over security risks and unexploded ordnance left behind during rapid military movements.

On Tuesday, the interim government declared a four-day ceasefire to support talks with the SDF over security arrangements and possible military integration. ■

A member of the Syrian security forces stands guard at the Al-Hol camp in the northeastern province of Hasakah, Syria, Jan. 21, 2026. Syria's interior authorities and the army's operations authority issued urgent warnings on Wednesday, advising civilians in northern and eastern Syria to avoid former Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) positions, state news agency SANA reported.

Syria's interior authorities declared the Al-Hol Camp and recently-secured detention facilities as prohibited security zones, adding that security forces are working to secure these areas, track down remaining Islamic State (IS) fugitives, and complete data collection. (Str/Xinhua)