20 January 2026
SDF forces shell Syrian army positions near Ain Issa in the northern Raqqa countryside with rocket launchers
Deployment of Internal Security Forces personnel in the city of Raqqa
Syrian Ministry of Defense has ordered its troops to observe the ceasefire, following the agreement between Damascus and the SDF
Ambassador Tom Barrack: The United States commends the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for their constructive efforts in reaching today’s ceasefire agreement, paving the way for renewed dialogue and cooperation toward a unified Syria. Two great Syrian leaders, driven by the shared vision of liberating their country and people from tyranny, have now come together to forge a brighter future for all Syrians. This agreement and ceasefire represent a pivotal inflection point, where former adversaries embrace partnership over division
The terms of the ceasefire and full integration agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are as follows: A comprehensive and immediate ceasefire on all fronts and points of contact between Syrian government forces and the SDF, concurrently with the withdrawal of all SDF military formations to the area east of the Euphrates River as a preliminary step towards redeployment. The immediate and complete administrative and military handover of the Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa governorates to the Syrian government, including the handover of all civilian institutions and facilities, with the immediate issuance of decrees to confirm the employment of current staff within the relevant Syrian state ministries. The government commits to not targeting SDF employees and fighters, or the civilian administration in the two governorates. The integration of all civilian institutions in Hasakah Governorate into the Syrian state institutions and administrative structures.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa: The state will administer all Syrian regions and territories.
Terms of the ceasefire agreement with the SDF
The Wall Street Journal, quoting a US official: There are currently no concerns about the safety of our forces in northeastern Syria
The Syrian army enters the city of Ain Issa in the Raqqa countryside.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa: We had an appointment today with Mr. Mazloum Abdi, but it was postponed until tomorrow due to bad weather. State institutions will enter the three governorates. The Syrian state is a unified state, and the areas with special status will have the names of the security personnel who will work in them assigned. We advise our Arab tribes to abide by the agreement.
Syrian Presidency: President Ahmed al-Sharaa received the US Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas Barak, in the presence of Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. The President affirmed Syria's unity and sovereignty over all its territory, the importance of dialogue at the present stage, and the need to rebuild Syria with the participation of all Syrians, in addition to continuing to coordinate efforts in combating terrorism. The meeting addressed ways to enhance economic cooperation between Syria and the United States and discussed the latest regional developments.
Heavy shelling with mortars and artillery by the SDF militia stationed in the 17th Division targets neighborhoods in the city of Raqqa
Raqqa: A massive explosion of unknown origin occurred in the vicinity of Hazima roundabout in Raqqa city.
Footage shows the Syrian Arab Army entering the city of Raqqa a short while ago.
1 day ago
Deir ez-Zor Governorate: The earthen bridge will be completely closed to civilian and commercial truck traffic tomorrow, Monday, except for humanitarian cases.
Aerial footage of Tabqa military airport in the Raqqa countryside after the SDF militias were expelled from it.1 day ago
Aerial footage of Tabqa military airport in the Raqqa countryside after the SDF militias were expelled from it.
More than ten dead as a result of sniper operations carried out by the SDF militia in the neighborhoods of Raqqa
1 day ago
The Syrian army has taken control of the village of Khirbet al-Zamala near the Tishrin Dam in the Manbij countryside.
French President Emmanuel Macron: ; I spoke today with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and conveyed our concern regarding the escalation in Syria and the continued offensive by the authorities. ; A permanent ceasefire is now essential, and an agreement must be reached on integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces into the Syrian state, based on the talks held last March.
The Syrian flag was raised over the clock tower roundabout in Raqqa after its capture from SDF
Footage of the Panorama roundabout in the northern Deir ez-Zor countryside after SDF fighters fled, leaving their weapons behind1 day ago
Footage of the Panorama roundabout in the northern Deir ez-Zor countryside after SDF fighters fled, leaving their weapons behind
An Iraqi security source: Our forces on the border with Syria are on high alert.
Locals destroy SDF symbols in Raqqa
Tribal forces have taken full control of Raqqa city, expelling SDF forces, and are awaiting the arrival of Syrian army forces to sweep the city and take over security.
Raqqa: The clashes inside the city have stopped. Residents are gathering in Raqqa's neighborhoods, raising the Syrian flag.
A source told Rudaw that Mazloum Abdi's visit to Damascus did not take place today. Mazloum Abdi and al-Sharaa held a phone call. The results of the phone call between Abdi and al-Sharaa will be revealed. There is a possibility of a ceasefire and Mazloum Abdi's visit to Damascus in the near future. Asaad al-Shaibani sent a message containing proposals to the SDF.
In Raqqa, Arab tribes seized vehicles belonging to the SDF militia in the city of Raqqa.
The Syrian Minister of Energy stated: "The return of the Jazira's resources to the people of the nation means opening a wide door for reconstruction, revitalizing agriculture, energy, and trade, and building a strong national economy that relies on the bounty of the land and the efforts of its people."
Military police deployed at the Euphrates Dam in the city of Tabqa, west of Raqqa, Syria.
US envoy Tom Barrack arrives in Damascus
Syrian army in Tabqa, SDF still in Raqqa
Ronahi TV claims 2 tanks and an armored vehicle belonging to the Syrian government were destroyed in Tishreen
The Syrian Ministry of Interior has begun entering the city of Tabqa in the Raqqa countryside to secure public and private property and protect civilians
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria announced a general mobilization, accusing the Damascus government of violating agreements and launching attacks on multiple fronts
Tribal fighters seize the SDF commando headquarters in Jazrat al-Buhamid, east of Raqqa, and Jazrat al-Milaj on the administrative border with Deir ez-Zor.1 day ago
Tribal fighters seize the SDF commando headquarters in Jazrat al-Buhamid, east of Raqqa, and Jazrat al-Milaj on the administrative border with Deir ez-Zor.
The fiercest battles are raging on the Tishrin Dam front east of Aleppo, between the Syrian army and the SDF/PKK
Tribal fighters seize a headquarters of the SDF militia in the Markada district, south of Hasakah.
Syria correspondent: Tribal fighters seize control of Tell Abu al-Hassan in the eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside near the Iraqi border.
Syrian Arab Army forces entered the town of Al-Sabha in the Deir ez-Zor countryside after expelling the SDF militia from it.
Public security and the Syrian Arab Army in the city of Al-Susah today in Al-Bukamal in Deir ez-Zor
Reuters: Syrian forces have seized control of the al-Omar oil field and the Conoco gas field in the east.
Al-Baghouz in Deir ez-Zor was captured after the SDF forces were expelled and Syrian security forces arrived.
The Syrian army entered towns in the eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside after expelling the SDF forces
The flag of the SDF organization was taken down from the roundabout in the city of #Tabqa, #Raqqa
2 day ago
Deir ez-Zor Governorate: In order to ensure the safety of our dear citizens, all public institutions and government offices will be closed today, Sunday, January 18, 2026. We urge our people to stay home and not go out except for absolute necessity
The Al-Sanour checkpoint in the village of Abu Hamam in the eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside was captured by fighters from the 86th Division of the Syrian Arab Army.
The Syrian Arab Army enters the town of Jadid Aqidat and heads towards the Al-Jafra oil field.2 day ago
The Syrian Arab Army enters the town of Jadid Aqidat and heads towards the Al-Jafra oil field.
Tribal fighters are combing the Conoco gas field in the eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside.
Deir ez-Zor: Tribal forces seize the headquarters of the First Brigade in the city of Al-Basira and tear down pictures of Abdullah Öcalan, the militia leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Arab tribes took control of the city of Hajin in Deir ez-Zor
Arab tribesmen have seized control of the al-Ja'abi checkpoint, which belongs to the SDF, in the city of Hajin, east of Deir ez-Zor
The Syrian army and tribal forces have taken control of the city of Al-Shuhail in Deir ez-Zor.
The SDF militias have blown up the new bridge and the old bridge in the city of Raqqa in an attempt to halt the advance of the Syrian Arab Army
SANA, quoting the Raqqa Media Directorate: The SDF organization blows up the new "Rashid" bridge in Raqqa city
Syrian army units have begun entering areas east of the Euphrates River via the earthen bridge in the city of Deir ez-Zor, as part of measures to protect civilians and preserve public property. This earthen bridge is the only bridge
Tribal fighters seize the "Barriers Command Center" barracks in the town of Hawaj Dhiab, west of Deir ez-Zor - one of the largest strongholds of the SDF/PKK in Deir ez-Zor
2 day ago
The 86th Division of the Syrian Army crosses the Euphrates River and begins deploying in the remaining areas of Deir ez-Zor province.
The SDF blew up the old bridge over the Euphrates River in Raqqa, in an attempt to halt the advance of the Syrian army.
The SDF says its forces are clashing with factions it accuses of being affiliated with the Syrian government in the towns of Gharanij, Abu Hamam, Al-Kashkiya, Dhiban and Al-Tayyana in the Deir ez-Zor countryside.
Statement from the Syrian government: We condemn in the strongest terms the execution of prisoners and detainees in the city of Tabqa in the Raqqa governorate by the SDF. The execution of prisoners and detainees, especially civilians among them, is a complete crime under the Geneva Conventions and a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law We hold this organization fully responsible and pledge to the families of the martyrs to legally pursue it in a fair manner. We call on the international community to condemn this crime
SDF: Our forces have arrested three individuals who attempted to spread chaos and undermine security in the city of Tabqa by opening fire on civilians' homes. Our forces have taken the necessary measures and restored security and stability to the city. In a related context, our forces are currently engaged in intense clashes against Damascus militants in the town of Mansoura, as part of efforts to repel the attacks and protect civilians.
2 day ago
SDF forces shell neighborhoods in Deir ez-Zor city
Several mortar shells fell in the town of Mahkan, east of Deir ez-Zor, originating from SDF-controlled areas. No information is available regarding casualties.
Clashes are taking place on the Raqqa bridge.
The Syrian Arab Army Operations Command: The army has taken control of the strategic city of Tabqa and the Euphrates Dam
Nahr Media correspondent: The Syrian army is shelling SDF military positions near the industrial area north of Deir ez-Zor.2 day ago
Nahr Media correspondent: The Syrian army is shelling SDF military positions near the industrial area north of Deir ez-Zor.
Syria correspondent: SDF targets residential neighborhood in the city of Mayadin, east of Deir ez-Zor, with a suicide drone
A diplomatic source told Al-Araby TV: The Syrian government offered Mazloum Abdi the position of governor of Hasakah.
Arab tribesmen have taken control of the town of Gharanij in the eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside.
Arab tribesmen have seized control of checkpoints and headquarters belonging to the SDF in the towns of Muhaymidah, al-Hawaij, and Dhiban in the eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside.
Syrian Arab Army forces enter Al-Mansoura Dam, west of Raqqa Governorate
2 day ago
The Syrian Arab Army enters the village of Abu Kabi'a in the western Raqqa countryside
The Syrian army controls the southern entrance to Raqqa, known as "Al-Maqs”
According to Kurdish Ronahi TV there is heavy fighting between SDF and groups in the Kasrat al Faraj, Ar-Raqqah Governorate, Syria
The Syrian army is shelling SDF positions in the vicinity of Al-Hawaij town, east of Deir ez-Zor.
Syria TV correspondent: The army is shelling SDF positions in the Raqqa desert.
2 day ago
Syrian Army: We have taken full control of Tabqa military airport
2 day ago
SANA correspondent in Raqqa: Medical teams and ambulances belonging to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent have entered the town of Al-Sabkha in the eastern Raqqa countryside after the army took control of it.
2 day ago
A Syrian military source says the army is deploying military reinforcements to Deir ez-Zor province in eastern Syria
Reports indicate that reinforcements for the SDF are heading towards the villages of al-Shaitat in the Deir ez-Zor countryside, coming from the al-Omar oil field.
Artillery shelling targets SDF positions east of the Euphrates River in the eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside
Intense artillery shelling by the Syrian army on SDF positions in the city of Tabqa
The Syrian Army Operations Command: Our forces have seized control of the Mansoura Dam (formerly the Baath Dam), and the towns of Ratla and Hamam in the Raqqa countryside. Our forces are now less than 5 km from the western entrance to the city of Raqqa.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry told Syria TV: We call on the SDF to be our partners in implementing the March 10 agreement. The SDF has not adhered to the recent agreement by withdrawing from areas west of the Euphrates. The military operation against the SDF will cease when it accepts the implementation of the March 10 agreement. The goal of the military operation is to create a reality that compels the SDF to implement the March 10 agreement. We are coordinating with the US administration on the issue of combating ISIS and controlling the security situation.
French President Emmanuel Macron says the Syrian army must "immediately" halt attacks on Kurdish-led SDF. "France and Europe will not be able to support the continuation of such an approach," he warned
US Central Command: We conducted a raid yesterday in northwestern Syria that killed a senior al-Qaeda leader.2 day ago
US Central Command: We conducted a raid yesterday in northwestern Syria that killed a senior al-Qaeda leader.
Clashes between tribal fighters and the SDF in the villages of Abu Hamam, Al-Kashkiya, Gharanij and Abu Hardoub in the Deir ez-Zor countryside
SDF is deploying military convoys from the al-Omar and Koniko oil fields towards the eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside
YPJ: "The agreement on the withdrawal of our forces and the SDF from Deir Hafir and Maskane has been implemented. YPJ: The Damascus government wants to take control of Tabqa and Raqqa through militias. So far, all our forces are responding within the framework of legitimate rights. If the militias continue their attacks, we, as YPJ forces, will respond. Our forces are ready to stop the attacks."
Unknown assailants attacked a military checkpoint belonging to the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) in the town of Jazrat al-Milaj, west of Deir ez-Zor, using machine guns
2 day ago
Raqqa: The Syrian army enters the village of Al-Akirshi in the Raqqa countryside.
Deir ez-Zor: Tribes seize control of the Tayyana station east of Deir ez-Zor Island and expel the SDF militias from it.
2 day ago
Army forces extend their control over the al-Sabkha district in the Raqqa countryside, coinciding with the start of internal security deployment
SDF: Reports of Damascus faction fighters entering Tabqa city are false, and our forces remain in their positions.
Explosions heard in the city of Al-Mayadin, east of Deir ez-Zor
Tribal fighters targeted a SDF vehicle with an RPG in the town of Al-Susah, east of Deir ez-Zor, resulting in deaths and injuries among those inside.
2 day ago
Syrian Army forces control the towns of Al-Akirshi and Ratla, southeast of Raqqa
The Syrian Foreign Ministry told Al-Araby TV: The government has presented a rapid plan to implement the March 10 agreement to reach a solution to the current crisis.
"Based on our national responsibility, the Democratic Autonomous Administration calls on the relevant factions to immediately and fully adhere to the terms of the agreement and to stop all military actions and provocations that threaten civilian security and undermine prospects for stability." - Autonomous Administration
2 day ago
The Syrian army is now 2 km away from the southern entrance to Raqqa after capturing the village of Ratla.