Syrian militiaman shows off what he claims to be severed Kurdish fighter’s braid as Damascus asserts control A video emerged showing a Syrian militiaman holding what he claims is a severed braid of a killed Kurdish fighter, causing outrage and online protests where Kurdish women braided their hair in solidarity. This incident occurred as Damascus seeks to expand its control in northeastern Syria, an area governed by the SDF, leading to fears among Kurds about the implications of Syrian government rule. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire aims to manage the conflict and ISIS prisoner transfers, but the fundamental dispute between Damascus and the SDF over integration remains unresolved.

• A video of a Syrian militiaman holding a claimed severed braid of a Kurdish fighter sparked outrage and solidarity protests among Kurdish women.
• The incident highlights fears among Kurds about Syrian government control in northeastern Syria, an area long governed by the SDF.
• A U.S.-brokered ceasefire is in place following fighting between Syrian government forces and Kurdish units in Raqqa.
• The ceasefire extension is tied to security concerns over ISIS prisoners, with Damascus taking control of detention sites.
• The fundamental dispute between Damascus and the SDF over integration remains unresolved, raising the possibility of renewed fighting.
• The U.S. is working to transfer ISIS detainees to Iraq to prevent violence against Kurds or an ISIS resurgence.