By Micah Jonah
January 19, 2026
Syrian government forces have taken control of the northeastern city of Raqqa following the withdrawal of the Kurdish led Syrian Democratic Forces after a ceasefire agreement that ended days of intense fighting, according to officials and local residents.
Crowds poured into the streets late Sunday as government troops entered the city, with residents waving Syrian flags, setting off fireworks in scenes of celebration and relief after months of tension and recent clashes.
The Interior Minister, Anas Khattab, said the truce agreement with the SDF marks a new step toward a united Syria, including the reintegration of territory, people and national resources under central authority.
Syrian President, Ahmed al Sharaa is expected to meet SDF leader, Mazloum Abdi in Damascus on Monday as part of efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and discuss political and security arrangements in formerly SDF controlled areas. A planned meeting on Sunday was postponed after the SDF leader reportedly faced travel difficulties.
Analysts say the agreement, reached after government forces gained upper hand on the battlefield, could face challenges if confidence building measures are not pursued. Experts warn that reconciliation with Kurdish communities and former SDF fighters will be critical towards preventing renewed unrest in the northeast.
Raqqa had been under SDF control since 2017, when the group, backed by international partners, expelled the ISIL group from the city after a prolonged, destructive battle. The return of government forces mark one of the most significant shifts in territorial control since the end of major nationwide fighting.
Regional governments including Turkiye and Qatar have welcomed the ceasefire, while the United States said it commends both sides for halting hostilities; urged continued dialogue to stabilize the area.
The latest developments suggest Damascus is close to reestablishing authority over most of the country, though political reconciliation and reconstruction remain major challenges after more than a decade of conflict.
