Syrian Army Advances as Kurdish Forces Withdraw from East Aleppo

Sat Jan 17 2026 16:30:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Syrian Army is making strategic movements into eastern Aleppo following the withdrawal of Kurdish forces, which marks a significant shift in the region's power dynamics.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Syrian Army has commenced operations in eastern Aleppo as Kurdish forces begin their withdrawal. This maneuver comes after discussions between Kurdish leaders and US officials, culminating in the Syrian government's pledge to recognize Kurdish rights within Syria. The evolving situation sees Syrian troops entering the town of Deir Hafer, with the army urging civilians to evacuate the area, highlighting ongoing tensions amid military operations.

The Syrian army is moving into areas east of Aleppo city, following the withdrawal of Kurdish forces. Syrian troops have been spotted entering Deir Hafer, a town about 50 kilometers from Aleppo. This follows an announcement from the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that they would redeploy east of the Euphrates river after talks with US officials and a pledge from Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to make Kurdish a national language.

After deadly clashes last week, the US urged both sides to avoid confrontation. President al-Sharaa is seeking to integrate Kurds' military and civilian bodies into Syrian national institutions. In a statement to state-run news agency Sana, the Syrian army confirmed the beginning of operations in the western Euphrates area, claiming full military control over Deir Hafer.

The military advised civilians against entering the operational area until it is secured, citing safety concerns due to mines and remnants of war. Visuals from the area indicated the presence of Syrian forces advancing with military tanks.

The withdrawal of Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi, responding to calls from international mediators, represents a pivotal moment in the shifting allegiances in the region. This move comes alongside plans for a significant Kurdish recognition within Syrian governance, including the establishment of Kurdish as a national language and the recognition of Kurdish New Year as a public holiday, marking a major step forward for Kurdish rights in the country, which have been historically repressed.

Despite these advances, tensions remain as the Kurdish administration has called for constitutional recognition rather than temporary decrees, underscoring the complex relationship between Kurdish forces and the Syrian government. Both sides have accused each other of violating previous agreements, as Syrian forces now control key areas previously held by the SDF.

The backdrop of these developments reflects ongoing struggles for power and autonomy within Syria, particularly in the oil-rich northeast, where Kurdish forces have controlled significant territories since the civil war erupted more than a decade ago.