The Syrian government and Kurdish forces agreed on Saturday to extend their ceasefire for up to one month. This deal aims to ease the transfer of suspected Islamic State members from Syria to Iraq, diplomatic sources told Agence France-Presse. Earlier this week, both sides had paused fighting, stopping a Syrian army offensive near the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) positions. The ceasefire helps keep the peace for now but does not fully resolve their conflict. Fighting over Aleppo neighbourhoods in January led to a quick government offensive that reduced Kurdish control to small areas in the northeast. The ceasefire gives time for the SDF to carry out a 14-point plan to disband and integrate into Syria's army. If the SDF fails, Damascus plans to resume fighting to capture its last Kurdish strongholds in Hasakeh, Qamishli, and Kobane. Both sides used the quiet period to prepare for possible war. SDF forces increased their presence in Kurdish-majority areas and called residents to arms, while Syrian government forces moved tanks and soldiers closer to the front lines. "Soon we will be in Hasakeh and then Qamishli, god-willing," a Syrian soldier said. Diplomacy is ongoing, with SDF leader Mazloum Abdi visiting Iraqi Kurdistan and meeting US envoy Tom Barrack. Abdi also communicated with Syria's foreign minister to agree on safely moving SDF fighters from a prison held by the government. Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan supported maintaining the calm during the prisoner transfer. Despite the ceasefire extension, deep disagreements remain. The 14-point plan would end Kurdish autonomy in Syria, reducing the SDF from controlling a large area and resources to a local police force in a few cities. Abdi shows willingness to implement the deal but faces challenges convincing all SDF members. If talks fail, war is likely. Damascus demands all armed groups unify under its control, while the US, which supported the SDF for years, now backs the Syrian government to fill the anti-IS role. The US has begun moving Islamic State prisoners from Kurdish areas to prevent escapes before possible fighting. Although Damascus holds military advantages, both sides seek to avoid heavy bloodshed. The SDF has pulled back from mostly Arab areas, but clashes in Kurdish regions may be harsher. Kurds fear government forces after past attacks in other provinces. Many have armed themselves and built underground tunnels to resist. Damascus knows that winning by force could push Kurds underground, creating long-term insurgency problems.