Kurdish Forces Evacuate Aleppo Following Ceasefire Agreement

Mon Jan 12 2026 00:05:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant development for the ongoing conflict in Aleppo, the last Kurdish forces have exited the city after a ceasefire deal was brokered, allowing for the safe evacuation of civilians and fighters.

The withdrawal of Kurdish fighters from Aleppo marks a pivotal moment in the Syrian conflict. This move follows a ceasefire agreement facilitated by international mediation. Despite previous tensions, the agreement allowed for the safe evacuation of civilians and combatants from the conflict-ridden areas of the city. The ceasefire comes in response to escalating violence that has left dozens dead and many displaced.

The final Kurdish fighters have withdrawn from the Syrian city of Aleppo, following the announcement of a ceasefire deal in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Mazloum Abdi, leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), confirmed the agreement was achieved through international mediation, securing the safe evacuation of martyrs, the wounded, the trapped civilians, and the fighters from the city.

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

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

At least 12 people were killed in the recent outbreak of violence, prompting tens of thousands of civilians to flee Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. The Syrian army had shelled the area, designating it a closed military area in response to attacks by armed groups.

The Kurdish-led SDF, asserting it had no military presence in Aleppo, labeled the shelling a criminal attempt to forcibly displace residents.

Earlier in the week, a ceasefire had been proposed, but Kurdish forces initially refused to vacate Sheikh Maksoud.

The new round of ceasefire negotiations was mediated by the US and other global powers, arising from concerns that the impasse in Aleppo could provoke Turkey's involvement. Turkey supports the Syrian government and views the Kurdish militias as terrorists.

In a recent post, US Ambassador Tom Barrack emphasized the importance of restraint among parties involved and encouraged a return to dialogue to uphold the March agreement.

As tensions remain high, the implications of this ceasefire extend beyond the immediate conflict, with ongoing discussions about the future of governance in Syria still fraught with challenges.