Photos: Syrian army enters Deir Hafer after SDF withdrawal

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by By Al Jazeera and AgenciesJanuary 17, 2026 at 10:08 AM

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On January 17, 2026, Syrian government troops entered Deir Hafer, located in the Aleppo governorate, after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew from the city. The SDF's withdrawal from areas east of Aleppo, announced by commander Mazloum Abdi, was in response to requests from allied nations and mediators, with forces relocating east of the Euphrates River. Syria's Ministry of Defence supports the withdrawal and will monitor its implementation before deploying forces to assert state authority. Prior to the SDF withdrawal, the Syrian military initiated shelling operations against groups affiliated with the PKK and former regime elements allied with the SDF in Deir Hafer. The United States has encouraged both sides to avoid conflict and resume negotiations aimed at integrating Kurdish-administered institutions into Syrian state structures.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

ISIL (ISIS) 40% United States 40% Ministry of Defence (Syria) 50% Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) 50% Mazloum Abdi (Mazloum Kobani) 60% Euphrates River ×260% Aleppo Governorate ×270% Syria ×480% Deir Hafer ×380% Syrian Army ×490% Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ×790%

Keywords

sdf withdrawal 90% syrian army 90% deir hafer 80% aleppo governorate 70% territorial control 70% military operation 60% syria 60% negotiations 50% kurdish-led 50% euphrates river 40%