Syrian Democratic Forces

Making sense of the shifting complexity of the Syrian conflict - analysis

For some commentators, the current conflict in Syria boils down to the new Syrian government attacking Kurdish forces. While this is correct in some ways, it is also very simplistic.

A group of civilians carry bags and belongings as they flee following renewed clashes between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces, in Aleppo, Syria, January 7, 2026
 Soldiers from the Syrian Democratic Forces stand in front of the detainees before the first exchange operation between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian government in Aleppo, Syria, April 3, 2025.

Syria's government faces pivotal moment against SDF, as it retakes largest oil field - analysis

A group of civilians carry bags and belongings as they flee following renewed clashes between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces, in Aleppo, Syria, January 7, 2026

CENTCOM urges Syria to cease attacks on SDF, Kurdish forces as clashes escalate

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa delivers a speech on the first anniversary of Bashar al-Assad's fall, in Damascus, Syria December 8, 2025.

Al-Sharaa issues decree granting Kurdish Syrians full Syrian nationality, legal protections


Israel stands with Kurds as Aleppo burns and the world stays silent - opinion

While Aleppo’s Kurds endure siege, shelling, and mass displacement, Israel’s Gideon Sa’ar emerges as one of the few leaders openly condemning the atrocities.

A member of the Syrian army walks with a weapon in the street as civilians flee following renewed clashes between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in Aleppo, Syria, January 7, 2026

After failed truces in Syria, will the newest ceasefire in Aleppo last? - analysis

Amid ongoing clashes with the SDF, Syrian government forces announced a suspension of military operations in Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsood, though tensions remain high.

Entrance to the Ashrafieh neighborhood in Aleppo.

Syrian Democratic Forces leave Aleppo, announce understanding for ceasefire

Mazloum Abdi, head of the SDF, said that the group had reached an understanding for a ceasefire, in order to allow for the evacuation of trapped civilians and fighters from Aleppo.

PEOPLE CELEBRATE in Sheikh Maksoud neighbourhood following the collapse of an agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in Aleppo, Syria, January 10, 2026.

US envoy to Syria calls for immediate ceasefire between SDF, Syrian military

United States Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack warned that the "deeply concerning" clashes may "risk undermining the progress achieved since the fall of the Assad regime."

US SPECIAL ENVOY for Syria Tom Barrack speaks at a news conference in Damascus in September 2025.

Syria says it has taken control of Aleppo's Sheikh Maksoud neighborhood, Kurdish forces deny claims

The Syrian forces combed through 90% the neighbourhood according to the SANA News Agency, while Kurdish representatives assured Reuters that their forces were still present in Aleppo.

Members of the Syrian Civil Defence work to extinguish a fire after shelling amid renewed clashes between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces in Aleppo, Syria, January 8, 2026.

Syrian Army to strike Aleppo as Kurdish forces reject evacuation after ceasefire announcement

A ceasefire was declared in Aleppo by Syria's Defense Ministry after clashes with Kurdish forces, with Damascus claiming it will "escort departing militants" to northeastern Syria.

Security forces affiliated with the Ministry of the Interior stand guard in the Ashrafieh neighbourhood, which they have taken control of, according to the Interior Ministry, following battles with the Syrian Democratic Forces, in Aleppo, Syria, January 9, 2026.

Violent Aleppo clashes risk spilling over into rest of Syria if not contained - analysis

Dozens of civilians were forced to temporarily leave their homes amid shelling and gunfire, amid partial outages of electricity and water, and disruptions to some basic services.

A member of the Syrian army walks with a weapon in the street as civilians flee following renewed clashes between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in Aleppo, Syria, January 7, 2026

Damascus declares curfew in Aleppo following clashes with SDF

Syria’s government declared Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh a closed military zone as fighting with SDF escalated, with civilian deaths reported and mass evacuations underway.

A member of the security forces stands guard as residents flee Aleppo's Ashrafieh Kurdish neighbourhood on January 7, 2026. Civilians were fleeing Kurdish neighbourhoods of Aleppo on January 7 after the Syrian army declared them "closed military zones", amid ongoing fighting with Kurdish-led forces.

Four killed in Aleppo clashes as Syria seeks deal with Kurdish SDF forces

At least four people were killed as clashes broke out in Aleppo, with Syrian forces and the Kurdish led SDF trading blame amid stalled integration talks.

Soldiers from the Public Security walk in Aleppo, Syria, April 3, 2025.

Syrian Kurdish commander vows 'all efforts' to save integration deal with Damascus

His comments came days after deadly clashes between SDF units and Syrian government forces around Aleppo prompted both sides to order their fighters to halt fire.

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, attends an interview with Reuters in al-Shadadi, Syria June 13, 2025.

Sharaa's Syria stands at political impasse as Aleppo violence reflects deep divisions

BEHIND THE LINES: The Turkish foreign minister said, “We see that the SDF has no real intention of making significant progress in the negotiations on integration with the Damascus administration.”

CLASHES IN the north Syrian city of Aleppo left two civilians dead this week, after fighters associated with the Syrian National Army fired on the Kurdish-majority neighborhoods of Sheikh Maksoud and Ashrafiyeh, according to sources close to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.