Civilians Flee Deir Hafer as Syrian Army Advances, U.S. and Kurdish Officials Seek Calm

Tensions in eastern Aleppo province have escalated sharply as the Syrian army advances toward the town of Deir Hafer following clashes with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and efforts to establish government control over the area.

The Syrian military declared Deir Hafer and surrounding zones west of the Euphrates River a military area on January 13 in anticipation of a broader operation. It opened a humanitarian corridor along the M15 highway on January 14–15 to allow civilians to evacuate before possible conflict, but the main route was blocked by the SDF, forcing many residents to use alternative secondary roads, canals and damaged bridges to flee.

Thousands of civilians have relocated to government-held territory, carrying their belongings in cars and pickup trucks, with local officials directing them to emergency shelters. Syrian state media reported that up to 4,000 people had reached safety through side roads over recent days.

On Saturday, Syrian army units began entering Deir Hafer after the SDF announced its forces would withdraw in line with agreements to pull back across the Euphrates River. State media said troops were clearing the area and urging civilians not to return until mines and explosive remnants are removed.

The situation has drawn attention from international actors. A U.S. military and SDF command delegation was observed in Deir Hafer on January 16, reportedly attempting to de-escalate tensions between the government and Kurdish forces.

Despite the apparent pullback of SDF units, exchanges of fire and artillery shelling have been reported, and each side has accused the other of violating ceasefire understandings in the broader region of eastern Aleppo.