Syrian Army seizes key city of Deir Hafir in eastern Aleppo

Syrian government forces have announced they are in full control of Deir Hafir following a withdrawal by the YPG/SDF. The military is now advancing toward other towns west of the Euphrates River, marking a significant shift in the area's balance of power.

The Syrian Arab Army has declared the capture of the strategic city of Deir Hafir in the eastern countryside of Aleppo. In an official statement carried by state media on Saturday, the military's Operations Command announced it had established "full military control" over the area after forces of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew eastward toward the Euphrates River.

Securing the City and a New Military Push

According to the army statement, troops are now working to secure the city by clearing it of landmines and other remnants of war left behind. With Deir Hafir under its control, the Syrian military has immediately launched a new phase of its operation. Forces have begun advancing toward the neighboring towns of Maskanah and Dibsi Afnan, both located west of the Euphrates River. This movement suggests an intent to consolidate control over a larger swath of territory that has been contested for years.

The Strategic Context of the Withdrawal

The takeover of Deir Hafir comes after days of reported military pressure and airstrikes by the Syrian Army on SDF positions in the area. The withdrawal of the SDF, whose primary component is the People's Protection Units (YPG), appears to be a tactical pullback to areas east of the Euphrates, which have traditionally been the group's stronghold. This development represents a notable success for the Syrian government's campaign to reassert its authority over northeastern regions following the political transition in Damascus.

Implications for Regional Stability and Türkiye

The shift in control of Deir Hafir has direct implications for the regional security landscape, particularly for Türkiye. Ankara views the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a designated terrorist organization, and has long been concerned about the group's presence near its border. While the Syrian Army's advance against the SDF might align with Türkiye's security interests in degrading the YPG, it also brings Syrian government and Iranian-backed forces closer to areas where Türkiye maintains a military presence. This creates a complex and potentially volatile interface between multiple actors, underscoring the need for careful diplomacy to prevent new flashpoints in northern Syria.