Syrian soldiers arrive via the M4 highway at Jarrah airbase east of Aleppo city

Video Duration 06 minutes 21 seconds play-arrow06:21

‘Fierce clashes’ as Syrian army advances after taking towns held by SDF

Published On 18 Jan 202618 Jan 2026

  • Syria’s military says it has captured the strategic town of Tabqah from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) during its lightning advance towards the key city of Raqqa in the north.
  • Heavy clashes are reported in areas east of Deir Az Zor as the military says its forces are in full control of Deir Hafer, have captured the Jarrah airbase to the east, and are in the process of clearing mines and explosives.