NextFin News - On January 14, 2026, the Syrian army officially ordered civilians to evacuate the area surrounding Deir Hafer, a town located approximately 60 kilometers east of Aleppo city, which remains under the control of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The military announced the opening of a humanitarian corridor for civilians to leave the contested zone between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on January 15. This directive comes amid a surge in military activity and clashes between Syrian government forces and Kurdish fighters, with the government demanding that the SDF withdraw east of the Euphrates River. The Syrian army has declared the entire Kurdish-controlled zone east of Aleppo a closed military area and has reinforced its troops in preparation for a possible offensive to seize Deir Hafer and surrounding towns such as Maskana.
The escalation follows intense fighting in Aleppo city last week, which resulted in the Syrian government regaining control over three contested neighborhoods previously held by Kurdish forces. The clashes caused at least 23 deaths, numerous injuries, and displaced tens of thousands of civilians. The Syrian government accuses the SDF of launching drone strikes in Aleppo, including one targeting the Aleppo governorate building shortly after a government press conference. Conversely, the SDF denies these allegations and claims Turkish drones have conducted strikes against their positions. Negotiations between Damascus and the SDF over integrating Kurdish forces into the Syrian army and transferring control of key institutions, including border crossings and oil fields, have stalled, exacerbating tensions.
The SDF, historically a key U.S. ally in combating ISIS, is viewed by Turkey as a terrorist organization due to its links with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Despite U.S. support for the SDF, the current U.S. administration under U.S. President Donald Trump has cultivated closer ties with the Syrian interim government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa and has urged Kurdish compliance with integration agreements. The Syrian government accuses the SDF of obstructing civilian evacuations and rejecting ceasefire efforts mediated by France and the U.S., allegedly under PKK orders.
This military and political standoff is unfolding against a backdrop of Syria’s complex civil war dynamics, where former Turkey-backed insurgent factions now integrated into the Syrian army have longstanding enmity with Kurdish forces. The declaration of a closed military zone and the evacuation order indicate the Syrian government’s intent to consolidate control over eastern Aleppo province, a strategically vital area linking Aleppo city to the Euphrates River and northeastern Syria.
Analyzing the causes, the Syrian army’s evacuation order and military buildup are driven by a strategic imperative to reassert sovereignty over Kurdish-held territories amid stalled political integration talks. The Kurdish SDF’s control over resource-rich and border areas presents a challenge to Damascus’s authority, while the government’s accusations of Kurdish drone attacks and refusal to withdraw east of the Euphrates exacerbate hostilities. The involvement of external actors, including Turkey’s hostility towards the SDF and the nuanced U.S. position balancing support for Kurdish forces with engagement with the Syrian government, further complicates the conflict.
The humanitarian impact is significant. Tens of thousands of civilians face displacement amid active hostilities, with limited safe passage options. The Syrian army’s establishment of a humanitarian corridor aims to mitigate civilian casualties but also signals imminent intensified military operations. The SDF warns of dangerous repercussions for civilians and infrastructure, holding Damascus responsible for escalation consequences.
From a geopolitical perspective, this development reflects a broader trend of the Syrian government regaining ground after years of fragmentation and insurgency. The integration of former insurgent groups into the Syrian army and the push to control Kurdish-held areas indicate a shift towards centralization of power under Damascus. However, the Kurdish resistance and external geopolitical interests, notably Turkey’s security concerns and U.S. strategic calculations, suggest that the conflict will remain volatile.
Looking forward, the situation near Deir Hafer is likely to be a flashpoint for further military confrontations. If the Syrian army proceeds with an offensive, it could trigger wider clashes, potentially drawing in Turkish forces and complicating U.S. involvement. The humanitarian crisis may deepen, necessitating increased international attention and aid. Politically, the failure to reach a durable integration agreement between Damascus and the SDF risks prolonging instability in northeastern Syria.
In conclusion, the Syrian army’s evacuation order near Deir Hafer is a critical indicator of escalating conflict between Damascus and Kurdish forces, driven by contested territorial control and stalled political negotiations. The unfolding events will have profound implications for Syria’s internal power dynamics, regional security, and humanitarian conditions, underscoring the complexity of achieving lasting peace in the region.
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