Syrian Government Forces Enter Northern Town After Kurdish Fighters Evacuate
On January 17, Syrian government forces made their way into the outskirts of a northern town as Kurdish-led fighters announced their evacuation to avoid potential conflict.
The move followed recent deadly clashes between government troops and the US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in Aleppo, Syria’s largest city. This conflict resulted in the evacuation of Kurdish fighters from three neighborhoods taken over by government forces.
Witnesses observed government tanks, armored vehicles, and pickup trucks with heavy machine guns advancing towards the town of Deir Hafer from Hamima, as barriers were removed by bulldozers. The absence of SDF presence was noted on the town’s edge.
Meanwhile, the Syrian military confirmed their full control over Deir Hafer, the capture of the Jarrah airbase east of the town, and ongoing efforts to clear mines and explosives. Troops were also preparing to advance towards the nearby town of Maskana.
More than 11,000 individuals fled Deir Hafer and Maskana in the past two days via side roads to reach government-controlled areas following the announcement of an offensive by the government to reclaim the two towns.
On the night of the offensive, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi announced the withdrawal of Kurdish-led fighters from contested areas in northern Syria, relocating east of the Euphrates River in line with the ceasefire agreement.
The de-escalation of tensions came after US military officials engaged in discussions with SDF representatives in Deir Hafer, following their visit to the area.
Amidst the conflict, Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued a decree enhancing the rights of the Kurdish population, recognizing Kurdish as a national language alongside Arabic and declaring the Newroz festival as an official holiday.
Historically marginalized, Syria’s Kurdish community, comprising about 10% of the population, has faced cultural suppression under the Baath party’s rule. The recent decree signifies a step towards inclusivity and cultural recognition for the Kurdish population in Syria.
