Syrian Army Gains Control of Aleppo as Kurdish Forces Withdraw After Ceasefire

Sun 11th Jan, 2026

The Syrian military has assumed control over Kurdish-majority neighborhoods in Aleppo following an agreement that ended several days of violent conflict between government troops and Kurdish-led forces. The cessation of hostilities was achieved through mediation efforts, facilitating the evacuation of both Kurdish fighters and civilians from the contested districts.

Clashes erupted in Aleppo, Syria's largest city, earlier in the week amid rising tensions regarding the future integration of various armed factions into the evolving Syrian military framework. The fighting resulted in at least 22 fatalities and forced over 140,000 residents to flee their homes, according to reports from local and international sources.

Following the ceasefire, state media indicated that the last remaining Kurdish forces, alongside displaced civilians, were transported by bus out of Aleppo to regions in northern and eastern Syria. Syrian government troops were subsequently deployed to secure the Achrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud districts, which had been under the administration of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) throughout much of the prolonged civil conflict.

Kurdish Evacuation and Humanitarian Situation

Evacuation procedures were overseen by government forces, with numerous men, women, and children observed boarding buses destined for displacement camps. Notably, a group of around 100 men, initially identified as members of the Kurdish Asayesh internal security force, were also transported. However, Kurdish sources later clarified that these individuals were civilians who had been involuntarily displaced rather than active combatants.

The SDF emphasized that the ceasefire agreement was reached through international mediation, which aimed to halt ongoing violence and ensure the safe evacuation of wounded individuals, families, and those trapped within the conflict zones. Kurdish representatives have called on mediators to uphold commitments to safeguard the rights and security of the displaced population and work towards enabling their eventual return.

International Response and Diplomatic Efforts

The developments in Aleppo have attracted significant international attention. The United States, represented by its Special Envoy to Syria, engaged in high-level discussions with Syrian officials in Damascus, urging all parties to honor the ceasefire and prioritize civilian safety. The US reaffirmed its support for a unified and stable Syria, advocating for peaceful negotiations and the protection of all communities affected by the conflict.

Observers have cautioned that continued violence could undermine recent progress towards national reconciliation, potentially inviting further external intervention and complicating the process of integrating former opposition groups into the national framework.

Wider Implications for the Syrian Conflict

The transfer of control in Aleppo underscores the shifting dynamics within Syria's ongoing civil war, particularly concerning the status of Kurdish forces and their future role in the country's political and security landscape. The Syrian army's advance into previously Kurdish-administered territories is expected to influence negotiations over governance, security arrangements, and humanitarian access in the north and east.

With tens of thousands of residents now displaced, humanitarian organizations have highlighted the urgent need for assistance, including shelter, food, and medical care. The safe return of civilians to their homes remains a central concern for both domestic and international stakeholders monitoring the situation.

The situation in Aleppo continues to evolve as authorities, mediators, and aid groups coordinate efforts to stabilize the affected regions and address the needs of those impacted by the recent escalation in violence.


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