Raqqa (Syria) – War Watch

al-Shara, Ahmed (Abu Mohammad al-Jolani) (1982- ) | Aleppo (Syria) | Defense and Military Forces | Deir al-Zour (Syria) | Hasaka (Syria) | Hayat Tahrir al-Sham | International Relations | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Kurds | Politics and Government | Raqqa (Syria) | Secession and Independence Movements | Syria | Syrian Army | Syrian Democratic Forces | War and Armed Conflicts

Syrian Army Crosses New Threshold With Advances in Kurdish Regions
ByCarlotta Gall, Hussam Hammoud and Nanna Heitmann February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

The advance of the Syrian Army into Kurdish regions could put nearly all the country under one authority. But it ends a dream of autonomy for ethnic Kurds.

Read More Syrian Army Crosses New Threshold With Advances in Kurdish Regions
al-Shara, Ahmed (Abu Mohammad al-Jolani) (1982- ) | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Kurds | Politics and Government | Raqqa (Syria) | Syria | Syrian Democratic Forces | United States | United States International Relations

For Syria’s Government, Kurdish Deal Is a Big Win
ByChristina Goldbaum January 20, 2026

As the government moves to assert control over areas under Kurdish rule, it will be the latest test of President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s pledge to form an inclusive administration that empowers minorities.

Read More For Syria’s Government, Kurdish Deal Is a Big Win
al-Shara, Ahmed (Abu Mohammad al-Jolani) (1982- ) | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Kurds | Politics and Government | Raqqa (Syria) | Syria | Syrian Democratic Forces | United States | United States International Relations

For Syria’s Government, Kurdish Deal Is a Big Win on Shaky Ground
ByChristina Goldbaum January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

The government’s move to assert control over areas under Kurdish rule is a major test for President Ahmed al-Sharaa as fresh clashes erupted.

Read More For Syria’s Government, Kurdish Deal Is a Big Win on Shaky Ground
Damascus (Syria) | Deir al-Zour (Syria) | Hasaka (Syria) | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Kurds | Politics and Government | Raqqa (Syria) | Syria | Syrian Democratic Forces | Terrorism | War and Armed Conflicts

Clashes Erupt Around Syrian Prisons Holding Islamic State Fighters
ByChristina Goldbaum January 19, 2026January 20, 2026

New tensions flared a day after a Kurdish-led militia agreed to hand over control of prisons holding some 8,000 Islamic State fighters to the Syrian government.

Read More Clashes Erupt Around Syrian Prisons Holding Islamic State Fighters
Aleppo (Syria) | internal-open-access-from-nl | International Relations | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Kurds | Raqqa (Syria) | Syria | Syrian Democratic Forces | United States International Relations | War and Armed Conflicts

Syrian Government and Kurdish-Led Force Agree to Merge After Clashes
ByRaja Abdulrahim January 18, 2026January 18, 2026

The new deal also calls for a cease-fire. Government forces have taken strategic assets from the militia in recent days, weakening the force.

Read More Syrian Government and Kurdish-Led Force Agree to Merge After Clashes
Assad, Bashar al- | Defense and Military Forces | internal-open-access-from-nl | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Kurds | Politics and Government | Raqqa (Syria) | Syria | Syrian Democratic Forces | War and Armed Conflicts

Syria Advance on Kurdish-Held Areas as Washington Urges Restraint
ByEuan Ward January 18, 2026January 18, 2026

Government troops drew closer to Raqqa, the largest city overseen by the Kurds, raising U.S. concerns about the renewal of a wider conflict in the region.

Read More Syria Advance on Kurdish-Held Areas as Washington Urges Restraint