Syrian Army Crosses New Threshold With Advances in Kurdish Regions

New York Times - WorldEN 8 min read 100% complete by Carlotta Gall, Hussam Hammoud and Nanna HeitmannFebruary 16, 2026 at 11:32 AM

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In February 2026, Syrian government forces advanced into Kurdish-held regions of northeastern Syria, including the city of Hasakah, marking the first time in over a decade. This move, facilitated by a shift in U.S. support away from the Kurds, allows President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government to extend its authority over three eastern provinces, aiming to unify Syria for the first time in 15 years. While the advance brings the country closer to unification, it ends Kurdish aspirations for autonomy and presents significant challenges for the government, including securing and rebuilding the war-torn region. The newly acquired territory is in desperate need of rebuilding and is deeply divided, with Kurds expressing wariness and resistance towards rule from Damascus. The Syrian government now faces the daunting task of stabilizing the country, alleviating poverty, and integrating the newly acquired territory.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Damascus 30% Raqqa 40% Aleppo 40% Bashar al-Assad 50% United States 60% Ahmed al-Sharaa 70% Hasakah ×380% Syrian Army ×290% Kurds ×790% Syria ×7100%

Keywords

syria 100% syrian army 90% kurdish regions 90% government forces 80% autonomy 70% hasakah 70% kurdish groups 70% conflict 60% unified syria 60% civil conflict 50%