Story perspectives

Syrian Army Gains Ground as SDF Withdraws from Aleppo

1/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Syrian army has gained control of Deir Hafir and advances toward Maskanah and Dibsi Afnan after SDF withdrew from eastern Aleppo.
Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, described the withdrawal as a goodwill gesture supporting the March 10 agreement.
The Syrian military aims to secure these areas and enforce state sovereignty.
The army has entered Raqqa, intensifying operations against the SDF, which it labels a terrorist organization.

History

Historical Context

The Syrian Civil War, ignited by protests against President Bashar al-Assad in March 2011, escalated into a complex conflict involving multiple factions and foreign powers. By 2017, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) captured Raqqa from ISIS, but ongoing territorial disputes persist. The recent SDF withdrawal from eastern Aleppo highlights shifting alliances as the Syrian army aims to reclaim control, affecting regional stability.

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Story summary

The Syrian army has gained control of Deir Hafir and advances toward Maskanah and Dibsi Afnan after SDF withdrew from eastern Aleppo.
Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, described the withdrawal as a goodwill gesture supporting the March 10 agreement.
The Syrian military aims to secure these areas and enforce state sovereignty.
The army has entered Raqqa, intensifying operations against the SDF, which it labels a terrorist organization.

1 / 2