Syrian Army Deir Hafer Operation 2026: SDF Announces Strategic Withdrawal
The Syrian army launched a military operation in Deir Hafer on Jan 16, 2026. Kurdish SDF forces have agreed to withdraw east of the Euphrates following mediation.
A fragile peace shattered in a matter of hours. The Syrian army has launched a fresh military offensive against Kurdish fighters near Aleppo, signaling a volatile start to the year's geopolitical landscape.
Syrian Army Deir Hafer Operation Escalates Tensions
On January 16, 2026, Syrian government forces initiated strikes targeting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Deir Hafer, located roughly 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Aleppo. The military justified the move by claiming Kurdish forces were using the area as a launchpad for operations against Aleppo's eastern countryside.
SDF Retreats East of the Euphrates
In a rapid response to the escalation, SDF leader Mazloum Abdi announced that his forces would retreat. Citing calls from "friendly countries and mediators," Abdi stated that the withdrawal would commence at 7 am on Saturday. The move is seen as an attempt to prevent a full-scale war following the failure of recent talks between the US-led coalition and Kurdish representatives to maintain the status quo.
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