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Reading: Sweeping Advances: Syrian Army Seizes East Aleppo as Kurds Retreat
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Sweeping Advances: Syrian Army Seizes East Aleppo as Kurds Retreat

Ahmed Hassan Avatar
Last updated: January 17, 2026 3:15 pm
Ahmed Hassan, International Editor
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In a significant development in the Syrian conflict, the Syrian army has announced the capture of 34 towns and villages in the eastern region of Aleppo, as Kurdish fighters have withdrawn from the area. This latest military operation marks the government’s continued push to regain control over territories previously held by Kurdish forces.

According to a statement from the Syrian military, the army has successfully seized control of the strategically important towns and villages, which were previously under the influence of Kurdish groups. The move comes as part of the government’s broader offensive to reassert its authority over the war-torn region.

“Our armed forces have carried out successful operations in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, securing the liberation of 34 towns and villages from the grip of terrorist organisations and Kurdish militias,” the military statement read.

The announcement has been met with a mixed response from the international community, with some hailing it as a significant victory for the Syrian government, while others have expressed concerns over the potential impact on the region’s fragile stability.

The withdrawal of Kurdish fighters from the area has been seen as a strategic move, as the group seeks to consolidate its forces in other parts of the country. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have been a key ally of the United States in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) group, have been forced to shift their focus to other fronts.

“The withdrawal of our forces from the eastern countryside of Aleppo was a tactical decision to redirect our resources to other critical areas,” said a spokesperson for the SDF. “We remain committed to our fight against terrorism and the protection of the Kurdish people.”

The latest developments in Aleppo come as the Syrian government continues its push to regain control over the country’s northern regions, which have been the focus of intense fighting between various factions, including the government, Kurdish forces, and rebel groups.

The situation in Syria remains complex and fluid, with the government, backed by its allies Russia and Iran, seeking to consolidate its grip over the country, while various opposition groups, including the Kurds, continue to resist the government’s advances.

As the conflict enters its tenth year, the humanitarian toll on the Syrian people remains staggering, with millions displaced and the country’s infrastructure severely damaged. The international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, but the path forward remains uncertain.

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Ahmed Hassan Avatar
ByAhmed Hassan, International Editor
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Ahmed Hassan is an award-winning international journalist with over 15 years of experience covering global affairs, conflict zones, and diplomatic developments. Before joining The Update Desk as International Editor, he reported from more than 40 countries for major news organizations including Reuters and Al Jazeera. He holds a Master's degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics.
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