Syrian government announces a ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 8 min read 100% complete by By GHAITH ALSAYED and OMAR ALBAMJanuary 18, 2026 at 06:53 PM

AI Summary

long article 8 min

The Syrian government announced a ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) following recent tensions and clashes in northeast Syria. These tensions escalated earlier in January 2026, leading to deadly confrontations and the Syrian government seizing control of three Aleppo neighborhoods from Kurdish fighters. Syrian government forces also took control of the strategic town of Tabqa in the Raqqa province, a move considered critical due to a nearby dam. The Syrian government accused the SDF of executing prisoners in Tabqa before withdrawing, an allegation the SDF denies. Residents of Tabqa were seen welcoming government troops and toppling statues of Kurdish fighters after the takeover.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Euphrates River 30% Qamishli 30% Aleppo 40% Raqqa Province 50% Damascus ×260% United States ×470% Kurds ×570% Tabqa ×580% Syrian Government ×790% Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ×995%

Keywords

ceasefire 100% syrian democratic forces 90% syrian government 90% kurdish-led forces 80% tensions 70% tabqa 70% raqqa 60% u.s.-backed 50% military push 50% aleppo 40%