Aleppo Battles: Ceasefire, Autonomous Administration Statement, and Barak in Damascus
Aleppo Battles: Last SDF Fighters Withdraw, International Oversight
The commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, announced early Sunday that a ceasefire agreement had been reached, allowing Kurdish fighters to evacuate from Aleppo to northeastern Syria. Abdi stated on his X account that the agreement, mediated by international parties, ensures the safe extraction of the dead, wounded, and civilians from the Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods.
Early Sunday, the final SDF groups left Sheikh Maqsoud after hours of negotiations, enabling the Syrian government to take full control of Aleppo on January 10, 2026, ending 14 years of SDF presence in the neighborhoods since the establishment of the People’s Protection Units (YPG), the armed wing of the Democratic Union Party (PYD).
Autonomous Administration Statement Following Evacuation
In the context of these developments, the Autonomous Administration of northeastern Syria issued a call to international, human rights, and humanitarian organizations to monitor conditions in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh and ensure the return of displaced residents. The administration stated that the January 6 attacks on the neighborhoods were carried out by factions affiliated with the so-called Ministry of Defense in the Syrian Interim Government under a “Turkish plan,” involving thousands of fighters, including ISIS elements, using heavy weaponry.
The administration emphasized that the government and allied forces’ control of the neighborhoods should not be seen as a “victory,” and called for the deployment of international forces to prevent further violations and protect civilians. It also pledged material and logistical support to mitigate the impact of recent clashes on residents.
Aleppo Governorate: Gradual Return to Stability
Meanwhile, Aleppo Governor, Engineer Azzam Al-Gharib, stated in a press conference that security conditions in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh are gradually stabilizing, noting that the city has become safe with the return of residents after leaving due to the SDF-led hostilities.
Al-Gharib explained that relevant authorities continue their field operations to secure neighborhoods and restore normal life, highlighting that measures were conducted with patience and restraint to avoid additional clashes and to prioritize the needs of residents who endured difficult conditions during displacement.
Barak Meets President Al-Shar’ in Damascus
The U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barak, met yesterday with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shar’ in Damascus to discuss recent developments in Aleppo and the broader transitional phase in Syria. Barak stated that the U.S. President views this moment as a pivotal opportunity to build a unified Syria that respects all communities.
Barak confirmed Washington’s support for the transitional phase, commending Syrian authorities for restoring stability and rebuilding national institutions. He reiterated the Syrian government’s commitment to the March 2025 integration agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces. The envoy also urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, cease hostilities immediately, and return to dialogue to avoid escalation.
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