Damascus Poised To Attack Kurdish-Held Towns in Northern Syria

Latest Developments

Syrian Troops Ready Offensive on Kurdish-Held Areas: Syrian government troops are preparing to launch an offensive against Kurdish-held towns in the north and east of the country after clashes broke out a week earlier in Aleppo. The Syrian authorities have reportedly decided on a limited operation to pressure the Kurdish-led SDF — a U.S. ally — to merge with the Syrian armed forces in line with the integration agreement signed in 2025. Syrian troops deployed on January 14 and 15 in the town of Deir Hafer and other nearby villages located just west of the Euphrates River.
U.S. Convoy Arrives Near Aleppo Amid Tensions: A U.S. military convoy was observed near Deir Hafer on January 16 amid the escalating tensions. According to reports, an SDF force was “accompanying” the convoy of armored vehicles. The commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Adm. Brad Cooper, urged de-escalation in the region on January 13, calling for “all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid actions that could further escalate tensions, and prioritize the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure.”
Turkey Weighs In: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that Syria may have no option other than the use of force against the SDF. “I hope it doesn’t come to that point … but when problems are not solved through dialogue, unfortunately, I see from here that the use of force is also an option for the Syrian government,” he said, as he urged the SDF to “show good intentions” by withdrawing unilaterally from the area around Deir Hafer.

FDD Expert Response

“The SDF was an indispensable partner in the U.S.-led war against the Islamic State. Washington has also forged positive relations with Damascus after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. What the administration needs to do now is make clear to both sides that the current conflict needs to be resolved diplomatically, without resorting to violence. This is likely to require taking a firm line with Turkey, which is eager to see a clash it believes will harm the Syrian Kurds.” — David Adesnik, Vice President of Research

“The Syrian government’s rhetoric toward the SDF suggests further escalation instead of the proposed integration of forces, meaning that the expansion of the conflict to other contested areas is only a matter of time. A conflict between the SDF and the central government runs counter to U.S. interests. Washington should therefore make clear to Damascus and the SDF that a diplomatic path forward is the only viable choice.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Senior Research Analyst