Kurdish Forces Withdraw from Aleppo Following Ceasefire Agreement

Mon Jan 12 2026 02:25:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

After a ceasefire agreement mediated internationally, the final Kurdish fighters have left Aleppo, marking a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Kurdish forces and the Syrian government.

The last remaining members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have evacuated Aleppo following a newly established ceasefire. This withdrawal occurs amidst escalating tensions and violence in the region, which have displaced thousands of civilians. The agreement, supported by international mediators, aims to bring stability after failed negotiations for Kurdish integration into the Syrian government.

The final Kurdish fighters have withdrawn from the Syrian city of Aleppo, after the announcement of a ceasefire deal in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Mazloum Abdi, leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said an agreement had been made via international mediation, securing the safe evacuation of martyrs, the wounded, the trapped civilians and the fighters from the city.

Buses carrying the last Kurdish-led SDF members were seen leaving the Kurdish majority neighborhood of Sheikh Maqsoud, according to local media reports.

The latest clashes in Aleppo started earlier this week, after negotiations to integrate the Kurds into Syria's new government reached a stalemate.

At least 12 people were killed in the latest outbreak of violence, which also saw tens of thousands of civilians displaced as they fled Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh.

The Syrian army shelled the area on Wednesday afternoon after designating the neighborhoods as closed military areas, alleging attacks by armed groups in the area.

The Kurdish-led SDF, which insists it has no military presence in Aleppo, condemned the army's actions as an attempt to forcefully displace residents.

A ceasefire was suggested earlier in the week, but Kurdish forces resisted leaving the last stronghold of Sheikh Maksoud under the deal.

In March 2025, the Kurdish-led SDF signed an agreement for integrating military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state; however, the full realization of this agreement has faced challenges, with both sides accusing each other of derailing the negotiations.

The most recent ceasefire was mediated by the US and other global powers out of concern over Turkey's potential involvement. Turkey supports the Syrian government and labels the Kurdish militia dominating the SDF as a terrorist organization.

The US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, emphasized the need for maximum restraint and returning to dialogue in accordance with the March agreement, expressing support for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's efforts to stabilize the country.