News|Syria's WarSyrian army takes control of east Aleppo towns as Kurdish fighters withdrawMilitary says it seized 34 villages and towns in the region as it keeps taking over territories from Kurdish fighters.
The Syrian military has announced the capture of several towns in the eastern region of Aleppo governorate following the withdrawal of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This development follows recent military engagements that resulted in…
The Syrian military has announced the capture of several towns in the eastern region of Aleppo governorate following the withdrawal of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This development follows recent military engagements that resulted in the SDF's retreat from Aleppo city.
The Syrian army has reportedly strengthened its presence near Deir Hafer and surrounding areas, following directives for the SDF to evacuate specific regions between Deir Hafer and the Euphrates River, approximately 30 kilometers to the east.
According to official military statements, Syrian forces have taken control of 34 villages and towns east of Aleppo, including Deir Hafer, Maskana, and a nearby military airport. This operation began on the morning of Saturday, Jan 11, 2026. The army has accused the SDF of breaching an agreement by attacking a military patrol near Maskana, resulting in two fatalities among Syrian soldiers.
The army further reported the safe passage of over 200 SDF fighters and their weapons out of the contested areas. Conversely, the SDF has accused the Syrian military of entering Deir Hafer and Maskana prematurely, leading to dangerous confrontations.
The Syrian military has announced the capture of several towns in the eastern region of Aleppo governorate following the withdrawal of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
In the context of recent military operations, the Syrian army has urged local civilians to evacuate Deir Hafer, with an estimated 4,000 individuals relocating. Meanwhile, the SDF has been repositioning forces east of the Euphrates River, as stated by Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi.
In a significant policy development, President Ahmed al-Sharaa has issued a decree recognizing Kurdish as a national language, marking a historical acknowledgment of Kurdish rights since Syria's independence in 1946. The decree allows for Kurdish to be taught in public schools in Kurdish-dominated regions and grants nationality to Kurds previously disenfranchised by a 1962 census.
The Kurdish administration in Syria's north and northeast has acknowledged this decree as a positive step, yet emphasized the need for permanent constitutional measures to ensure the protection of minority rights.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
