• The Syrian Army announced full control of Deir Hafir and Maskanah after Kurdish withdrawal.
• Over 11,000 people fled Deir Hafir and Maskanah during the offensive.
• The U.S. has urged both sides to maintain calm and avoid escalating conflict.
• Kurdish forces' withdrawal followed a decree recognizing Kurdish rights in Syria.
• The Syrian government intends to integrate Kurdish forces into state institutions.

The Syrian Army has declared full military control over the towns of Deir Hafir and Maskanah following the withdrawal of Kurdish forces, specifically the YPG/SDF, towards the east of the Euphrates River. This development comes after a significant military operation aimed at reclaiming territories in eastern Aleppo, which saw numerous clashes in the area throughout January 2026, according to aa and Al Jazeera.

Reports indicate that more than 11,000 people were displaced from the towns as the Syrian Army initiated its offensive, leading to a state of urgency and fear among civilians. These movements were compounded by recent conflicts that left several soldiers dead and raised concerns over potential violations of ceasefire agreements between the Syrian military and the Kurdish forces, as detailed by LA Times and CBS News.

The escalation in hostilities follows the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces' decision to withdraw from contested areas, a move made in response to intensified military pressures and assurances from the United States. Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi confirmed plans for redeployment east, although accusations have arisen that the Syrian Army violated the withdrawal agreement, further complicating the situation in the region, according to BBC and CBS News.

In parallel, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a significant decree recognizing Kurdish as a national language, which has been viewed as a move to acknowledge Kurdish rights formally. However, Kurdish authorities have expressed skepticism about this gesture, demanding further constitutional guarantees rather than temporary measures. The decree marks the first significant governmental acknowledgment of Kurdish rights since Syria’s independence, adding another layer to the evolving landscape of Kurdish-Syrian relations, as reported by Al Jazeera and LA Times.

The integration of Kurdish forces into Syrian state structures remains unresolved, following a March 2025 agreement that has seen limited implementation amid ongoing tensions. The situation is precarious as both sides navigate their claims to power and regional influence, with external actors like the United States advocating for dialogue to avert further conflicts, according to BBC and LA Times.