Syrian government troops entered Deir Hafer, located approximately 50km (30 miles) east of Aleppo city, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, after the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced their planned withdrawal. The SDF's withdrawal from their strongholds in eastern Aleppo followed a military operation launched in the west of the Euphrates River on January 17, 2026.
The Syrian military stated its intention to secure territories formerly controlled by the Kurdish-led SDF in the Aleppo governorate. According to Al Jazeera and Agencies, the SDF's announcement of the withdrawal came early Saturday morning.
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, also known as Mazloum Kobani, announced on Friday via X that the group would pull back from contact lines east of Aleppo at 7am local time (04:00 GMT) on Saturday. Abdi stated that the SDF would relocate its forces to areas east of the Euphrates River, responding to requests from allied nations and mediators.
Syria's Ministry of Defence expressed support for the SDF's withdrawal decision. The ministry stated that it would monitor the complete implementation of the withdrawal, including the removal of fighters from the area.
The SDF's withdrawal marks a significant shift in control in the region. The SDF, a key ally in the fight against ISIS, had controlled Deir Hafer and surrounding areas for several years. Their decision to withdraw comes amid increasing tensions and military operations in the region. The move is seen as a response to pressure from various actors, including allied nations and mediators, seeking to de-escalate the conflict.
The Syrian government's entry into Deir Hafer signals its intent to reassert control over territories previously held by non-state actors. The situation remains fluid, and the long-term implications of the SDF withdrawal and the Syrian army's advance are yet to be seen. The focus now shifts to monitoring the complete implementation of the SDF withdrawal and the Syrian government's actions in securing the newly acquired territories.
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