The Syrian Ministry of Defense declared the western side of the Euphrates River a military zone and called on all armed elements to withdraw to the eastern side of the Euphrates.
According to a breaking news report by Anadolu Agency, the statement said: “The Syrian Ministry of Defense has declared the YPG/SDF-occupied areas west of the Euphrates River a military zone and demanded that all armed elements withdraw east of the Euphrates River.”
Latest Developments in Syria
Following the withdrawal of SDF elements from the city of Aleppo on Sunday, January 11, 2026, members of Syria’s general security forces are maintaining checkpoints in the Ashrafiyeh neighborhood.
After days of deadly clashes in the city center and the withdrawal of the SDF, the Syrian army sent reinforcements to Aleppo’s eastern countryside upon detecting the presence of additional SDF elements in the area.
Citing the Syrian Army’s Operations Directorate, SANA reported the following:
- “We have observed that additional armed groups affiliated with the SDF have reached deployment points near Maskanah and Deir Hafir in the eastern countryside of Aleppo.”
The agency also shared further information:
- “According to our intelligence sources, these new reinforcements include some elements identified as members of the PKK.”