Syrian army takes control of Deir Hafer east of Aleppo

Saturday 17 January 2026 - 08:30

By: Sahili Aya

Syrian army takes control of Deir Hafer east of Aleppo

The Syrian army announced on Saturday that it has taken full control of the town of Deir Hafer, located east of Aleppo, following days of fighting in northern Syria. State media reported that government forces now exercise complete military authority over the area, a claim supported by the visible deployment of troops on the ground.

This advance marks a new phase in Damascus’s efforts to reassert control over territories west of the Euphrates River, amid a broader reshaping of the country’s political and security landscape after more than a decade of civil war.

The military operation comes as Syrian President Ahmad al-Chareh seeks to consolidate power nationwide while managing tensions with Kurdish-led forces that control large parts of northern and northeastern Syria. On Friday, the president announced a decree recognizing national rights for Kurds, including granting official status to the Kurdish language—an unprecedented step in the country’s modern history.

Clashes between government troops and Kurdish forces have intensified in recent weeks, particularly around Aleppo. After regaining control of several neighborhoods in the city, Syrian forces moved reinforcements toward Deir Hafer and called on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to withdraw from surrounding areas.

The situation remains fluid, with thousands of civilians reported to have fled the region amid warnings and bombardments. Analysts say the developments underline the fragile balance between military advances and political promises in post-war Syria.