diff --git a/src/aws_durable_execution_sdk_python/state.py b/src/aws_durable_execution_sdk_python/state.py
index a6fc0c7..8553a7d 100644
--- a/src/aws_durable_execution_sdk_python/state.py
+++ b/src/aws_durable_execution_sdk_python/state.py
@@ -613,20 +613,20 @@ def checkpoint_batches_forever(self) -> None:
 
                     logger.debug("Checkpoint batch processed successfully")
 
-                    # Signal completion for any synchronous operations
-                    for queued_op in batch:
-                        if queued_op.completion_event is not None:
-                            queued_op.completion_event.set()
-
                     # Update local token for next iteration
                     current_checkpoint_token = output.checkpoint_token
 
-                    # Fetch new operations from the API
+                    # Fetch new operations from the API before unblocking sync waiters
                     self.fetch_paginated_operations(
                         output.new_execution_state.operations,
                         output.checkpoint_token,
                         output.new_execution_state.next_marker,
                     )
+
+                    # Signal completion for any synchronous operations
+                    for queued_op in batch:
+                        if queued_op.completion_event is not None:
+                            queued_op.completion_event.set()
                 except Exception as e:
                     # Checkpoint failed - wake all blocked threads so they can raise error
                     # Drain both queues and signal all completion events