During 16-19 January 2026, Syria’s government forces captured most of the territory in east and north Syria previously controlled by the Syrian Kurds.
After the shelling of the Kurdish positions west of Euphrates by the Syrian forces, late on 16 January the Kurds announced withdrawal of their forces to the area east of Euphrates.
On 17 January, following the Kurdish withdrawal, Syrian forces took over the areas west of Euphrates. On 17-18 January, they advanced on Ar Raqqah, and took the city of Al-Tabqah. They also advanced into the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, launching attacks against the Kurdish positions on the Euphrates in southeast Syria, and crossing the river near Deir ez-Zor and at other locations in the early hours of 18 January.
In the afternoon on 18 January, Syrian forces took the city of Ar Raqqah, as well as the areas between the city and the Turkish border.
By 19 January, most of the territory in the east and north of Syria that had been under control of the Syrian Kurds, besides the core Kurdish ethnic areas, had been taken over by the Syrian government.
Efforts Category: Syria vs Syrian Kurds Military Force
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