Following intensive international mediation, a ceasefire agreement was finalized in the early hours of Sunday, marking the full withdrawal of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from the city of Aleppo. The deal brings a tentative end to a week of violent clashes that threatened to derail the historic transition of the Syrian state.
#SDF controlled Sheikh Maqsoud has fallen
The Syrian Arab Army 💚 🇸🇾 has fully liberated the last enclave the SDF has had been occupying in #Aleppo city
Congratulations 🎊
All that remains is combing and clearing operations over the next few days
Clean up and polishing 👌 😏 pic.twitter.com/DCUjocRg3J
— Syria Retold Daily (@SyriaRetold) January 9, 2026
Terms of the Agreement
The agreement, brokered by the United States and other global powers, secured a “safe corridor” for the evacuation of SDF fighters, wounded personnel, and civilians from the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. By Sunday afternoon, local reports confirmed that the final convoys of buses had departed the area, moving toward SDF-controlled territories in the north-east.
Mazloum Abdi, leader of the SDF, stated that the decision was made to prioritize the safety of “martyrs, the wounded, and trapped civilians” after the neighborhoods were designated as closed military zones.
Context of the Conflict
The recent outbreak of hostilities—which resulted in at least 12 fatalities and the displacement of tens of thousands—stemmed from a stalemate in negotiations regarding the March 2025 agreement. That landmark deal aimed to integrate SDF military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state under the administration of President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The stand-off in Aleppo had raised significant international alarm, particularly regarding the potential for military intervention by Turkey, which maintains a presence in the region and views the Kurdish elements of the SDF as a security threat.
International Response
The United States, acting as a lead mediator, has called for a return to the spirit of the March 2025 transition.
“We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and return to the dialogue established in the March agreement,” said Tom Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria. “The United States remains committed to supporting President Ahmed al-Sharaa as he works to stabilize the country during this historic transition.”
Humanitarian Impact
International aid organizations are now pivoting to address the needs of the thousands of civilians displaced from northern Aleppo over the past week. The ceasefire is expected to allow for the restoration of essential services in Sheikh Maqsoud and the return of non-combatant residents under the oversight of the Syrian central government.
