Syrian Democratic Forces

The strategic misjudgment of the Kurdish factor in Iran’s war - opinion

While Washington initially expressed rhetorical support for the Kurdish opposition, it later issued more cautious messages discouraging active Kurdish involvement in the conflict.

Iranian Kurdish fighters from the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) take part in a training session at a base on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq February 12, 2026.
A rebel fighter takes away a flag that belonged to Islamic State militants in Akhtarin village, after rebel fighters advanced in the area, in northern Aleppo Governorate, Syria, October 7, 2016

ISIS claims responsibility for new attack in Syria targeting official near Damascus

Members of Australian families believed to be linked to the Islamic State militants wait to leave Roj camp near Derik, Syria April 24, 2026.

Last of Australian ISIS linked families leave Syrian camps

A still image taken from an Islamic State (ISIS) video

ISIS escalates rhetoric, seeks ‘new phase of fighting’ in Syria - analysis


Israel stands with Kurds as Aleppo burns and the world stays silent - opinion

While Aleppo’s Kurds endure siege, shelling, and mass displacement, Israel’s Gideon Sa’ar emerges as one of the few leaders openly condemning the atrocities.

A member of the Syrian army walks with a weapon in the street as civilians flee following renewed clashes between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in Aleppo, Syria, January 7, 2026

After failed truces in Syria, will the newest ceasefire in Aleppo last? - analysis

Amid ongoing clashes with the SDF, Syrian government forces announced a suspension of military operations in Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsood, though tensions remain high.

Entrance to the Ashrafieh neighborhood in Aleppo.

Syrian Democratic Forces leave Aleppo, announce understanding for ceasefire

Mazloum Abdi, head of the SDF, said that the group had reached an understanding for a ceasefire, in order to allow for the evacuation of trapped civilians and fighters from Aleppo.

PEOPLE CELEBRATE in Sheikh Maksoud neighbourhood following the collapse of an agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in Aleppo, Syria, January 10, 2026.

US envoy to Syria calls for immediate ceasefire between SDF, Syrian military

United States Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack warned that the "deeply concerning" clashes may "risk undermining the progress achieved since the fall of the Assad regime."

US SPECIAL ENVOY for Syria Tom Barrack speaks at a news conference in Damascus in September 2025.

Syria says it has taken control of Aleppo's Sheikh Maksoud neighborhood, Kurdish forces deny claims

The Syrian forces combed through 90% the neighbourhood according to the SANA News Agency, while Kurdish representatives assured Reuters that their forces were still present in Aleppo.

Members of the Syrian Civil Defence work to extinguish a fire after shelling amid renewed clashes between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces in Aleppo, Syria, January 8, 2026.

Syrian Army to strike Aleppo as Kurdish forces reject evacuation after ceasefire announcement

A ceasefire was declared in Aleppo by Syria's Defense Ministry after clashes with Kurdish forces, with Damascus claiming it will "escort departing militants" to northeastern Syria.

Security forces affiliated with the Ministry of the Interior stand guard in the Ashrafieh neighbourhood, which they have taken control of, according to the Interior Ministry, following battles with the Syrian Democratic Forces, in Aleppo, Syria, January 9, 2026.

Violent Aleppo clashes risk spilling over into rest of Syria if not contained - analysis

Dozens of civilians were forced to temporarily leave their homes amid shelling and gunfire, amid partial outages of electricity and water, and disruptions to some basic services.

A member of the Syrian army walks with a weapon in the street as civilians flee following renewed clashes between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in Aleppo, Syria, January 7, 2026

Damascus declares curfew in Aleppo following clashes with SDF

Syria’s government declared Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh a closed military zone as fighting with SDF escalated, with civilian deaths reported and mass evacuations underway.

A member of the security forces stands guard as residents flee Aleppo's Ashrafieh Kurdish neighbourhood on January 7, 2026. Civilians were fleeing Kurdish neighbourhoods of Aleppo on January 7 after the Syrian army declared them "closed military zones", amid ongoing fighting with Kurdish-led forces.

Four killed in Aleppo clashes as Syria seeks deal with Kurdish SDF forces

At least four people were killed as clashes broke out in Aleppo, with Syrian forces and the Kurdish led SDF trading blame amid stalled integration talks.

Soldiers from the Public Security walk in Aleppo, Syria, April 3, 2025.

Syrian Kurdish commander vows 'all efforts' to save integration deal with Damascus

His comments came days after deadly clashes between SDF units and Syrian government forces around Aleppo prompted both sides to order their fighters to halt fire.

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, attends an interview with Reuters in al-Shadadi, Syria June 13, 2025.