Syrian forces make gains against SDF: What it means for country’s Kurds

Al JazeeraCenterEN 6 min read 100% complete January 21, 2026 at 11:02 AM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

In January 2026, Syrian government forces, under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, gained territory in northeast Syria, including Raqqa and Deir Az Zor, from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). These territorial gains followed the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024 and subsequent negotiations between the SDF and al-Sharaa regarding the integration of Kurdish forces into the Syrian military. The Syrian government's strategy involved military offensives and leveraging tribal networks against the SDF, weakening the SDF's position. The US, previously a supporter of the SDF in the fight against ISIL, has now backed al-Sharaa and Syrian forces. Analysts suggest that overtures from the Syrian government to the Kurdish minority may be too late.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

King's College London 30% Mazloum Abdi (Mazloum Kobani) 30% United States 40% Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) ×240% Deir Az Zor 50% Bashar al-Assad 50% Raqqa ×260% Syria ×470% Ahmed al-Sharaa ×570% Syrian Government ×480% Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ×1090%

Keywords

syrian democratic forces 90% syrian government 90% kurdish rights 70% territorial gains 70% negotiations 60% integration 60% raqqa 50% deir az zor 50% tribal forces 50% ceasefire 40%