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Syrian Forces Seize Deir Hafer and Dozens of Towns as SDF Pulls Back East of the Euphrates

A U.S.-brokered redeployment followed stalled integration talks, as Damascus paired military gains with a decree recognizing Kurdish language rights.

Overview

  • SDF commander Mazloum Abdi said his forces began withdrawing at 7 a.m. Saturday to areas east of the Euphrates at the request of mediators and allied countries.
  • Syrian troops moved into Deir Hafer and the Jarrah airbase and, according to official statements and on-the-ground reporting, advanced through dozens of nearby towns, with state media citing 34 localities including Maskana.
  • More than 11,000 people fled Deir Hafer and Maskana over the past two days, with authorities touting a humanitarian corridor and residents reporting detours on side roads amid disputed claims that the SDF blocked the main route.
  • U.S. involvement included a coalition convoy visit to Deir Hafer and active diplomacy by envoy Tom Barrack, with Kurdish sources saying he met regional leaders to sustain de-escalation and return parties to talks.
  • President Ahmad al‑Sharaa issued a decree recognizing Kurdish as a national language and expanding Kurdish rights, though both sides signal that negotiations over integration and control of strategic areas remain fragile.