By Micah Jonah
January 17, 2026
The Syrian military has entered Deir Hafer in Aleppo governorate after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew from their positions, marking a shift in control over territories east of Aleppo city.
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi announced the pullback on Friday, relocating forces east of the Euphrates River in response to requests from allied nations and mediators. The Syrian Ministry of Defence confirmed it would monitor the withdrawal before deploying its forces to assert state authority in the vacated areas.
Prior to the withdrawal, Syrian forces targeted SDF-affiliated militia bases and former regime elements in Deir Hafer. Government troops have now taken full control of the city and begun clearing mines and war remnants, while advancing towards the town of Maskana.
Authorities reported that at least 4,000 civilians left the area ahead of the military operation. The SDF had maintained control of swaths of Syria’s oil-rich north and northeast since the early stages of the country’s conflict.
The United States encouraged both sides to avoid confrontation and continue negotiations aimed at integrating Kurdish-administered institutions into Syrian state structures, as part of broader efforts to maintain regional stability and prevent an ISIL resurgence.
The operation underscores the Syrian government’s push to extend nationwide authority following the removal of former leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
