Syrian army takes control of east Aleppo towns as Kurdish fighters withdraw

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete January 17, 2026 at 01:42 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

In January 2026, the Syrian army announced it had taken control of 34 towns and villages east of Aleppo, including Deir Hafer and Maskana, after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew from the area. The Syrian army's advance followed deadly clashes in Aleppo city and a demand for the SDF to disarm and evacuate the area between Deir Hafer and the Euphrates River. While the Syrian army claimed the SDF violated the agreement by attacking an army patrol, the SDF accused the army of entering towns before their full withdrawal, leading to clashes. Civilians are reportedly returning to the area, and the Syrian military is working to establish control. The Syrian government is seeking to exert its authority in the region.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Zein Basravi ×230% Euphrates River 40% Maskana ×360% Deir Hafer ×670% Syria ×575% Aleppo ×480% Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ×885% Syrian Army ×790%

Keywords

syrian army 100% kurdish fighters 90% aleppo 80% syrian democratic forces 80% territorial control 70% deir hafer 70% maskana 60% military operation 50% power struggle 50% syria 40%