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Syria: Deadline for Civilians to Evacuate Before Operation Against Kurds

Published January 15, 2026, 13:17
Syria: Deadline for Civilians to Evacuate Before Operation Against Kurds

The Syrian army has issued a deadline for civilians to evacuate the Deir Hafer area in northern Syria, ahead of a planned operation against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Syrian forces have amassed significant reinforcements in the area, facing SDF positions, and have demanded their withdrawal. The Kurds accuse the authorities of preparing an attack. The Syrian government has brought the city of Aleppo under its control after expelling Kurdish rebels. A small number of civilians have begun following a 'humanitarian corridor', while the army has imposed restrictions on civilian evacuation, similar to those in Aleppo. Syrian authorities accuse the SDF of hindering the evacuation, a claim the Kurds deny. The escalation comes after negotiations regarding the implementation of the March agreement, which envisions the integration of Kurdish institutions into the Syrian state, have reached a deadlock.