Sun Jan 11 02:27:47 UTC 2026: ### SDF Withdraws from Aleppo After Ceasefire Agreement

The Story:
After days of intense clashes, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have fully withdrawn from the city of Aleppo, according to Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Gharib. The withdrawal follows a ceasefire agreement brokered through international mediation, allowing for the evacuation of civilians and fighters from the Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods. The Syrian army has since taken control of the Kurdish-majority neighborhood of Sheikh Maqsoud.

The agreement comes after talks to integrate the SDF into the national Syrian army collapsed, leading to deadly clashes resulting in at least 30 deaths and displacing over 150,000 people. The remaining SDF fighters were transported to Raqqa, a city in northeastern Syria under SDF control. The US played a role in brokering the ceasefire.

Key Points:

  • The SDF has completely withdrawn from Aleppo following a ceasefire agreement.
  • The withdrawal occurred after days of clashes sparked by the failure to integrate the SDF into the Syrian army.
  • Azzam al-Gharib, the Governor of Aleppo, confirmed the SDF withdrawal.
  • The Syrian army has taken control of the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood.
  • The clashes resulted in at least 30 deaths and displaced over 150,000 people.
  • The US played a role in brokering the agreement.
  • SDF commander Mazloum Abdi said the group had reached an understanding through international mediation on a ceasefire and the safe evacuation of civilians and fighters.

Critical Analysis:

The timeline clearly shows that the current conflict stems from the failure to integrate the SDF into the Syrian army, which was initially agreed upon in March 2025. The fact that the SDF refused to leave areas under their control since the early days of the Syrian war (2011) indicates a deep-seated reluctance to cede autonomy. The US involvement as a mediator highlights its complex relationship with both the SDF (due to the fight against ISIL) and the Syrian government.

Key Takeaways:

  • The failure to integrate the SDF into Syrian state institutions remains a major source of instability.
  • The SDF’s desire for autonomy in northeastern Syria is a significant obstacle to a lasting resolution.
  • The US plays a crucial, albeit complex, role in mediating conflicts within Syria.
  • The SDF controls a significant amount of territory and fighters, making its integration or continued separation a pivotal factor in Syria’s future.
  • The underlying fault lines that caused the recent fighting in Aleppo remain unresolved and pose a continued threat to national unity.

Impact Analysis:

The withdrawal of the SDF from Aleppo, while averting further immediate bloodshed, has several long-term implications:

  • Strengthened Syrian Government Control: The Syrian army’s control of Sheikh Maqsoud strengthens the government’s overall authority in Aleppo, a strategically important city.
  • Heightened Tensions: The unresolved issues between the SDF and the Syrian government could lead to further conflicts in the future, particularly in northeastern Syria.
  • Increased Regional Instability: The presence of autonomous or semi-autonomous entities like the SDF can fuel regional instability and potentially attract external interference.
  • Impact on US Policy: The US role in mediating the ceasefire underscores its continuing involvement in Syrian affairs, even after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad’s government in late 2024. This involvement will likely continue to be a complex balancing act.
  • Weakening of SDF Position: The agreement to withdraw weakens their negotiating position with the Syrian government and potentially erodes their support amongst their constituents.

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