Maskana

Maskana is a town located in the eastern Aleppo governorate of Syria. It has recently been at the center of conflict between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). In January 2026, the Syrian army took control of Maskana, along with dozens of other towns and villages in the region, as part of an internationally sponsored agreement that saw the SDF withdraw from the area. This takeover followed accusations by the Syrian government that the SDF had deployed military forces to the Deir Hafer front in eastern Aleppo, which the SDF denied. Prior to the army's advance, civilians were urged to evacuate Maskana and Deir Hafer, with a 'humanitarian zone' established to facilitate their departure. The Syrian army is currently working to remove mines and other war remnants in the newly controlled areas. The events highlight the shifting control of territory in the ongoing Syrian conflict and the complex relationships between various armed groups.