The city of Aleppo has become the stage for a dramatic shift in power, with the last Kurdish-led SDF fighters departing after intense clashes. This marks a significant development in the ongoing Syrian conflict. Let's dive into the details.
According to reports published on January 11, 2026, Aleppo's Governor, Azzam al-Gharib, confirmed that the city is now "empty of SDF fighters." This follows a ceasefire agreement that facilitated the evacuation of fighters after days of deadly conflict. The Syrian army took control of the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood, a key area of contention.
Here are some of the key events:
- The US launches 'large-scale' attacks against ISIL in Syria after deadly ambush
- Relative calm in Syria’s Aleppo as Kurdish fighters disarm
- Aleppo’s residents caught between hope and fear amid Syria fighting
- Syrian army ramps up Aleppo strikes against SDF fighters
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi (also known as Mazloum Kobani) stated that an understanding was reached through international mediation. This agreement led to a ceasefire and ensured the safe evacuation of civilians and fighters from the Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods to northern and eastern Syria. The SDF called on mediators to uphold their promises and facilitate the safe return of displaced individuals to their homes.
But here's where it gets controversial... The clashes erupted after talks to integrate the SDF into the national army failed. At least 30 people were killed, and over 150,000 were displaced due to the fighting. Al Jazeera's Ayman Oghanna, reporting from Damascus, noted that the United States played a crucial role in brokering the agreement between the SDF and the government.
The US has maintained good relations with both the SDF and the government, which is a unique position. Washington has been working with the Kurdish-led force against ISIL (ISIS) for over a decade. With the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad’s government in 2024, the US has also built close ties with the rebel commander who became Syria’s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. The Syrian president met US President Donald Trump at the White House last year and formally joined the US-led coalition against ISIL.
The fighting in Aleppo began on Tuesday in the predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Bani Zaid. This was due to tensions over the failure to implement a March 2025 agreement to reintegrate the Kurdish forces into state institutions. The deadline passed at the end of last year, and the SDF refused to leave areas under its control since the Syrian civil war began in 2011.
Al Jazeera’s Oghanna highlighted that even though the fighting has ended, the underlying issues remain. The greatest threat to national stability and unity is the question of whether the SDF will join Damascus and come under its control. The SDF has a substantial number of fighters, estimated between 50,000 to 90,000, primarily located in the northeast, controlling almost a quarter of Syria’s territory.
Oghanna suggests that the recent events make SDF integration "look far less likely." There are also other key issues that might make the SDF refuse to put down their weapons. The SDF wants to maintain control over the country’s northeast and retain a degree of autonomy to govern northeastern Syria.
What do you think? Do you believe the SDF will eventually integrate with the Syrian government, or will they maintain their autonomy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
