Syrian government forces advanced Saturday, Jan. 17 into several towns in the eastern Aleppo countryside following the withdrawal of units from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), marking one of the most significant territorial shifts since the March 10 agreement on integration and de-escalation.
The Syrian Army Operations Authority said its forces secured the city of Deir Hafer, the town of Maskana and surrounding villages, while also taking control of Dibsi Afnan in western Raqqa province. According to a statement carried by SANA, army units also secured Jarrah Military Airport and areas extending roughly 10 kilometers from Deir Hafer.
The Operations Authority said over 200 SDF members were escorted out of the areas with their weapons, while hundreds of others surrendered or defected to government forces. Syrian army units then began deploying to secure roads, clear mines and prepare for the return of civilians and state institutions.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense welcomed the withdrawal, saying it would closely monitor its completion and ensure that SDF units were not targeted during the process. The ministry said the deployment aimed to impose state sovereignty and stabilize the area after weeks of tension and earlier clashes in Aleppo.
SDF Objections and Field Tensions
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi announced Friday, Jan. 16, that his forces would withdraw from front lines near Deir Hafer and Maskana, citing calls from mediators and “friendly countries” and describing the move as a gesture of “goodwill to advance the merger process.” In a statement posted Jan. 17, Abdi said the decision was intended to uphold the March 10 agreement.
However, the SDF later accused government forces of entering Deir Hafer and Maskana before the withdrawal was completed. In a statement issued by its media center, the SDF said the move violated the agreement and created what it called a “dangerous situation” with “serious repercussions.” The group called on international sponsors to intervene and prevent further escalation.
Clashes, launching of drones, and artillery fire were reported earlier in the week around Deir Hafer, prompting the army to declare the area a military zone and warn civilians to stay away from specific sites. The Operations Authority said those locations were used by PKK-linked fighters and former regime elements to launch drones and attacks toward Aleppo city, an allegation denied by the SDF.
US Position and Diplomatic Context
The Syrian Foreign Ministry said consultations with Washington are ongoing regarding implementation of the March agreement. In comments to Al-Hadath television, the ministry said the US supports ending factional control and backs the integration of SDF fighters into state institutions, with a focus on Syrian nationals.
Local sources said that a US military convoy was seen near Deir Hafer on Friday, alongside increased air activity by coalition aircraft over Aleppo, Raqqa, Deir Ezzor and Hasakah provinces. Reuters reported that Washington has urged both sides to avoid a wider confrontation while working to revive stalled talks. Syrian officials told the agency that integration negotiations have continued for months but remain fragile amid mutual mistrust.
Civilian Movement and Next Steps
Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Gharib said approximately 27,450 civilians left Deir Hafer and Maskana during the escalation, many fleeing toward Aleppo city and nearby countryside. On Saturday, residents began returning as government forces secured access routes and removed barriers.
Military officials said operations would continue to stabilize the area and restore services, while emphasizing that the door remains open for SDF members to integrate under state authority as negotiations proceed.
