SDF and Damascus Government Forces Clash West of Raqqa

INA

Raqqa-Deir ez-Zor Road.

Armed clashes erupted on Saturday, 17 January 2026, in the areas of Dibsi Afnan, the Thawra oil field, and al-Rasafa in the western countryside of Raqqa, between Syrian government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The fighting occurred shortly before the SDF withdrew from several positions east of Aleppo, a move described as a violation of previously announced agreements between the two sides.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), citing field sources, reported that the clashes took place at a particularly sensitive moment, coinciding with ongoing redeployment arrangements in the region. Activists also reported confrontations between forces affiliated with the Syrian Interim Government and the SDF in the Dibsi Afnan area of western Raqqa, involving mortar fire. According to the reports, the clashes resulted in the deaths of several SDF fighters and one member of forces affiliated with the Syrian Interim Government.

Sources added that the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), operating within the SDF, responded to the attacks, amid reports of similar clashes in the Maskana area and along other front lines. These developments come as an agreement between the two sides is being implemented concerning the withdrawal of SDF forces from the towns of Maskana and Deir Hafer towards the east of the Euphrates River. Despite this, reports have emerged of violations and the siege of SDF elements by armed groups affiliated with the Ministry of Defence of the Syrian Interim Government.

Meanwhile, the Internal Affairs Authority of the Raqqa Canton Executive Council announced the imposition of a complete curfew across Raqqa Canton on Saturday. In a circular, the authority stated that the measure was taken “based on the requirements of the public interest and in order to protect the safety and security of our people in Raqqa Canton”. The curfew will remain in effect until further notice, with legal action to be taken against violators.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) issued a statement earlier on Saturday accusing the Syrian Interim Government of violating an internationally brokered agreement concerning the towns of Dayr Hafir and Maskanah, east of Aleppo.

The SDF said in a statement that based on the internationally sponsored agreement, it was agreed that the Damascus government forces would enter the towns of Dayr Hafir and Maskanah, east of Aleppo, after our forces completed their withdrawal. 

"However, Damascus violated the terms of the agreement and entered the towns before our fighters had fully withdrawn, creating a highly dangerous situation with potentially serious repercussions," the statement added. "Therefore, we call upon the international powers sponsoring the agreement to intervene urgently to ensure its implementation and prevent further escalation."

SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi said in a statement late on Friday: "Based on calls from friendly countries and mediators, and in our show of good faith in completing the integration process and adhering to the terms of the March 10th agreement, we have decided to withdraw our forces tomorrow at 7:00 AM."

He added: "Our forces will withdraw from the current front lines east of Aleppo, which have been under attack for two days, and redeploy to areas east of the Euphrates."

The move comes after fierce clashes that broke out last week in the northern city of Aleppo, leaving dozens dead, according to Syria's health ministry, and forced more than 150,000 to flee the two Kurdish-run pockets of the city.



PUKMEDIA