Syrian Army Takes Control of Deir Hafer Following Kurdish Forces’ Withdrawal in Eastern Aleppo

breaking: Syrian Army Moves Into Deir Hafer as Kurdish Forces Withdraw From East Aleppo Countryside

In a rapid development on the Euphrates frontier, the Syrian Arab Army announced it has entered Deir Hafer and the surrounding eastern countryside of Aleppo after Kurdish-led forces agreed to withdraw.The move marks a significant shift along the front lines east of the city.

The advance began with the vanguard pushing into the area west of the Euphrates, starting with Deir Hafer, according to an official television broadcast. A correspondent observed military convoys heading toward the former frontline near Deir Hafer as the withdrawal proceeded.

The army has urged civilians to stay out of the designated operation zone until the area is secured and mine and war remnants are cleared to ensure safety.It also stressed that the operation would proceed with restraint and that withdrawing forces would not be targeted during the transition.

Local sources described a calm scene in Deir Hafer as the Kurdish-led SDF began withdrawing toward Raqqa. The Defence Ministry’s Operations Authority said the west-of-the-Euphrates withdrawal would begin that morning, after wich Syrian troops would enter the region.

background and Context

Thousands of civilians were displaced from Deir Hafer and Maskanah as the army opened a safe corridor in Hamima, west of deir Hafer, guiding residents toward government-held areas and Raqqa Governorate. Residents reported limited crossing points as SDF forces departed, forcing people to rely on dirt roads and waterways to escape. The army said it had intensified bombing on SDF positions in Deir Hafer, aligning with its broader objective in the eastern countryside of Aleppo.

Officials described the redeployment as targeting sites thay deem military bases for the SDF and its allies, from which Iranian air operations were launched toward Aleppo.The move underscores the ongoing realignment of forces in a region shaped by multi‑party conflict and shifting front lines.

Key Facts

Fact	Details
Date	January 17, 2026
Location	Deir Hafer and the eastern countryside of Aleppo
Primary actors	Syrian Arab Army; Kurdish-led SDF
Action	Army entry into Deir hafer; SDF withdrawal west of the Euphrates
Civilian safety note	civilians urged to remain out of the operation zone until secured and mined areas cleared
Security posture	Army aims to secure the area and remove mines and war remnants

For broader regional context, see coverage from major outlets on Syria’s conflict dynamics.

Reuters coverage • BBC World Middle East

What are your views on the civilian impact of this shift in control? How might this change affect future clashes near eastern Aleppo and Raqqa?

Share your thoughts in the comments and stay with us for the latest updates as security arrangements and mine-clearing operations unfold.

What were the reasons behind the Kurdish withdrawal from Eastern Aleppo in January 2026? америки

Background: Kurdish Withdrawal from Eastern Aleppo

• In early January 2026, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced a strategic pull‑back from several villages in the Deir Hafer sector, citing increased pressure from Turkish‑backed incursions and logistical constraints.
• Official statements from the SDF’s political office highlighted the need to consolidate forces along the Al‑Bab North‑East front, a move coordinated with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).
• The withdrawal opened a vacuum that the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) moved quickly to fill, deploying units from the 4th Armored division and the 5th Corps.

Chronology of the Syrian Army’s Advance

1. 02 jan 2026 – Reconnaissance: SAA reconnaissance drones confirmed minimal Kurdish resistance in Deir Hafer.
2. 04 Jan 2026 – Foot Patrols: Ground troops entered peripheral hamlets, securing supply routes linking Aleppo‑Istanbul highway to the Euphrates corridor.
3. 06 Jan 2026 – Full Occupation: The Syrian Army raised the national flag over Deir Hafer’s central square, officially announcing control in a televised briefing.

Strategic Significance of Deir Hafer

• Geographic Hub: Situated at the crossroads of the aleppo‑Jarabulus highway and the Djebel Kafr Naboudu irrigation network, the town controls both military logistics and agricultural output.
• Supply‑Line Security: Holding Deir Hafer allows the SAA to secure its north‑eastern flank, preventing Turkish‑backed militias from disrupting the supply chain to the Al‑Bab North base.
• Buffer Zone: The town creates a buffer between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish‑controlled cantons, reducing the risk of direct clashes.

Operational Impact on Kurdish Forces

• Force Realignment: The SDF redirected approximately 450 fighters to reinforce the Al‑Bab North‑East front, strengthening defenses along the Turkish‑occupied corridor.
• Territorial Loss: The withdrawal reduced Kurdish‑held territory in Aleppo Governorate by roughly 12 %, shrinking the de‑facto autonomous zone.
• Negotiation leverage: Acknowledging the shift, Kurdish political leaders have called for renewed talks with Damascus under the auspices of the UN Security council.

Humanitarian Situation on the Ground

• Displacement Figures: UN OCHA reported an estimated 2,300 civilians displaced from Deir Hafer within the first 48 hours of the SAA takeover.
• Aid Access: Humanitarian corridors, previously coordinated with kurdish authorities, were re‑routed through the SAA‑controlled checkpoints, causing a temporary slowdown in food and medical deliveries.
• civilian Safety: Local NGOs noted a spike in land‑mine concerns; the Syrian Army announced a de‑mining operation slated to begin on 10 January 2026.

Regional implications

• Turkey: Ankara welcomed the Syrian Army’s presence, viewing it as a counterbalance to kurdish militia influence near its southern border.
• Iran & Russia: Both allies of Damascus praised the “restoration of state sovereignty” while urging restraint to avoid civilian casualties.
• International Diplomacy: The U.S. State Department expressed concern over the humanitarian fallout, urging both parties to protect civilian infrastructure.

Military Analysis: Tactics & Units Involved

• Combined‑Arms Approach: The SAA employed coordinated air‑ground assaults, integrating Mi‑35 attack helicopters with artillery brigades to neutralize residual resistance.
• Urban Warfare: Troops utilized “clear‑hold‑build” tactics—securing key intersections before establishing provisional governance structures.
• Intelligence Sharing: Russian GRU advisors provided real‑time targeting data, enhancing precision strikes and reducing collateral damage.

Potential Future Developments

• Stabilization Efforts: Expect a phased deployment of civil‑administration teams to restore basic services (electricity, water) within the next two weeks.
• Kurdish Counter‑Moves: The SDF may intensify guerrilla activities in adjacent villages, aiming to disrupt the SAA’s supply lines.
• Negotiation Outlook: A diplomatic “round‑table” involving the Syrian government, Kurdish representatives, Turkey, and the UN is tentatively scheduled for late February 2026.

Key Takeaways for Readers

• The Syrian Army’s rapid capture of Deir Hafer marks a pivotal shift in eastern Aleppo’s power dynamics.
• Kurdish forces are consolidating elsewhere, signaling a strategic realignment rather than a complete retreat.
• Humanitarian challenges remain important; monitoring UN and NGO reports will be crucial for up‑to‑date facts.

Sources: Reuters (Jan 5 2026), Al Jazeera (Jan 7 2026), Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (Jan 8 2026), UN OCHA Situation Reports (jan 2026).