NATIONAL OVERVIEW
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Nationwide incidents
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
- Clashes between SDF and tribal elements in eastern Deir Ez Zour
- Protest by medical staff at hospital in Damascus
- Israeli activity reported in Quneitrah
- Turkish airstrikes continue near Tishreen Dam
- IS suspected of targeting oil tanker and checkpoint in Hasaka and Deir Ez Zour
- KNC member found dead in Hasaka province
- Syrian Resistance claims attack against HTS in Hama
- Clashes near Lebanese border in western Homs
- Several casualties caused by remnant explosives in Idlib and Latakia
STRATEGIC AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Clashes between SDF and tribal elements in eastern Deir Ez Zour
Clashes between tribal elements and the SDF were reported on 19 and 20 January within SDF-controlled areas east of the Euphrates River in eastern Deir Ez Zour province. This reportedly followed a call by tribal fighters affiliated with Sheik Ibrahim al-Hafl – an Arab tribal leader previously affiliated with the Assad-regime – to rise up and liberate areas controlled by the SDF. Al-Half, then backed by pro-Assad and Iran-linked militias, notably led a significant uprising against the SDF in 2023 that temporarily shifted the control of terrain east of the Euphrates.
According to local reports on 19 and 20 January, the affiliated tribes launched assaults against six towns and villages east of the river, and managed to temporarily gain control over the towns of Sweidan, Zir and Dhiban after clashes that prompted the temporary withdrawal of SDF elements from the affected areas. Later reports stated that SDF control was restored following the arrival of military reinforcements in all areas, but only following lengthy clashes that killed at least five SDF members. The SDF also proceeded to impose a curfew and informed residents that any violations of the curfew and “illegal movements” would be treated as a hostile action.
Undated photo of Sheik al-Half in Deir Ez Zour province
In a later statement, the SDF blamed “groups linked to the former Baathist regime and the National Defence Militia” (a pro-Assad militia) for attempting to destabilize the situation in Deir Ez Zour. The SDF vowed to confront such attempts and said it would conduct security operations targeting remnants of the Baathist regime near the Euphrates River, in collaboration with international coalition forces, to prevent the resurgence of IS cells.
The outbreak of these clashes notably follow the deployment of HTS elements to Deir Ez Zour, including areas near the Euphrates River, over the past week. Multiple sources describe the deployment as an effort to put pressure on and stretch the SDF amidst the ongoing operations near the Tishreen Dam (see below) and simultaneous attempts to integrate the SDF into a unified command structure under the Ministry of Defence. As discussed in the weekly report, the HTS-led efforts, backed by Turkish attempts to disarm the SDF, have been rejected by the SDF yet may set conditions for an increase in coordinated military pressure from the HTS, Turkey and the SNA on the SDF over the short term. Notably, the clashes on 19 and 20 January coincided with reports that the SDF engaged HTS elements across the Euphrates River, indicating that the tribal assault was sanctioned and likely coordinated with the HTS. This however was denied by the SDF in a statement on 20 January that dismissed the claim as Turkish propaganda.
DAMASCUS & THE SOUTHERN REGION (including Suwaida, Daraa & Quneitra)
Protest by medical staff at hospital in Damascus
Protest activity in the capital included a demonstration by medical staff over recent dismissals. On 20 January, dozens of resident doctors at Mujtahid Hospital in Damascus City held a demonstration, urging the Ministry of Health and the Doctors Syndicate to take immediate action following what they described as “arbitrary” dismissals at the hospital. Video footage depicted a peaceful gathering however service disruptions remain possible as a result.
Morality enforcing incident reported in Damacus city
Other noteworthy activity in the capital included what appear to be a morality-enforcing incident, possibly conducted by extremist and Islamist elements. On 19 January, local sources reported that seven masked individuals stormed the Join Us café in Damascus during a musical performance. The attackers verbally abused and threatened the band and café owner at gunpoint, then assaulted them. This incident reportedly followed objections to the café’s music and alleged alcohol consumption.
Late on the evening of 20 January, social media sources reported that a young man was shot dead by gunmen while performing his work within the ranks of the Ministry of Interior in Al-Tall City, northern Damascus City. The victim reportedly was a defector from the former regime. According to a social media report, he was killed while taking part in the pursuit of a group of thieves accused of stealing solar panels in the area. Separately, belated reports from 19 January claimed a doctor, identified as Qusay Al-Zeer, was abducted by an unknown group who stormed his clinic in Damascus City and took him to an unknown location. The circumstances of his abduction were not specified initially.
Protests and law enforcement measures reported in Suwayda
Activity in the Suwayda province included a protest and the implementation of a law-enforcement measure by residents linked to recent smuggling attempts. On 20 January, a group of women and several residents demonstrated in Karama Square, As Suwayda City, denouncing the escalating crimes against women. Participants condemned outdated customs and traditions that justify such violations and hinder justice, demanding immediate measures to address the situation and hold perpetrators accountable.
Separately, dignitaries and residents of Shaab and Umm Shama villages in the southern countryside of As Suwayda announced the deployment of patrols to prevent the use of their lands for smuggling operations. In a statement, the residents emphasized their commitment to preventing illegal activities and protecting their villages from being exploited for such purposes.
Israeli activity reported in Quneitrah
In the Quneitra province, reports of Israeli military activity continue near the border areas of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. On 20 January, local sources reported that dozens of large Israeli military vehicles, loaded with gravel, entered Tal Ahmar al-Gharbi near the border town of Kodna in the Golan Heights, accompanied by the transport of prefabricated houses and ongoing heavy machinery digging operations.
Meanwhile, a temporary incursion near al-Baath city was also reported. Armored vehicles and troop carriers reportedly reached Khan Arnabeh, marking the deepest point the Israeli army has penetrated since the regime’s fall. The patrols, lasting approximately an hour, withdrew after returning to positions near the governorate building and court in al-Baath City.
NORTH & EAST SYRIA (Including Hasaka, Deir Ez Zour, Aleppo & Raqqa provinces)
Turkish airstrikes continue near Tishreen Dam
Activity in Aleppo province remains focused on developments in the eastern areas near the Tishreen Dam where Turkish regular forces and the Turkish-backed SNA continue to pressure the SDF. On 20 January, multiple Turkish airstrikes were recorded in the vicinity of the dam and the surrounding countryside, as well as in and around Sarrin city, located northeast of the dam. No immediate casualties were discussed as a result of the incidents on 20 January, however the next day at least two individuals were killed by additional airstrike operations near the dam. Some reports claimed dozens of individuals were also wounded as a result, however these casualty figures were not independently verified and may be exaggerated due to assessed propaganda efforts.
Similarly, SDF-linked sources claimed at least 12 SNA members were killed by UAV strikes conducted by the SDF near the dam on 20 January. These casualty figures were likewise not independently verified however the reports underscore the continuation of intense operations near the dam area as part of the ongoing, SNA-led ‘Operation Dawn of Freedom.’
IS suspected of targeting oil tanker and checkpoint in Hasaka and Deir Ez Zour
IS attacks continue to be reported in eastern Deir Ez Zour and Hasaka provinces, with two additional attacks recorded on 20 January. In Deir Ez Zour, unidentified individuals riding a motorcycle intercepted an oil tanker truck in Dhiban, forcing the driver out and setting the vehicle ablaze. The tanker, owned by a civilian contractor, was reportedly targeted by IS operatives after the owner refused to pay zakat. Separately, an assault involving five IS members reportedly targeted an Asayish checkpoint on the 47th area Road in Shaddadi district, Hasaka province. Armed clashes followed and resulted in one IS member being wounded and captured, while the others fled.
KNC member found dead in Hasaka province
On 20 January, Ismail Fatah, a member of the Kurdish National Council (KNC), was found murdered under mysterious circumstances near the intersection of the village of Panja, south of Qahtaniyah district, Hasaka province. Signs of torture were visible on his body. According to media reports, Fatah had been kidnapped by an armed group two days prior. Media sources critical of the autonomous administration have accused groups affiliated with the PKK of involvement in the killing. The Asayish reported receiving information about the discovery of his body on 19 January and stated that an investigation had been launched to determine the circumstances of the crime and pursue the perpetrators.
CENTRAL REGION (Including Idlib, Hama, Latakia, Tartous, Hama & Homs)
Syrian Resistance claims attack against HTS in Hama
Localized acts of resistance against the HTS were again reported in the central region, including in the Hama province. On the evening of 20 January, local reports claimed armed clashes broke out in the village of Safsafiyah, with several fatalities inflicted as a result. Later, a faction called the Syrian Resistance announced that it had set up an ambush against members of HTS that killed three members. The attack was justified as a response to the “crime of genocide” committed by the HTS against the people of Syria and the statement pledged to continue operations against the “terrorist gangs affiliated with the Turkish occupation.” Other reports later stated that the clashes broke out following a security operation conducted by the HTS in the area, in which several members of the Alawite minority were arrested. To recall, the Syrian Resistance – a group loyal to the former government – declared the start of an armed campaign against the HTS in December and has since claimed responsibility for several attacks against the HTS within government-controlled areas.
Clashes near Lebanese border in western Homs
Two separate incidents were also reported in the vicinity of the Lebanese border on 20 January. On the morning of 20 January, clashes erupted between residents and Hezbollah-backed militants in Masriyah village, Qusayr district, Homs province, near the Syrian-Lebanese border. No casualties were reported and the cause of the clashes was not immediately specified. Recent tensions in the area have been linked to smuggling operations. Further north, the Lebanese army said in a statement that unknown gunmen on the Syrian side of the border opened fire on a patrol while it was carrying out a mission in the Qasr area in Hermel, eastern Lebanon. The statement added that the patrol members responded to the sources of fire, and clashes erupted between the two sides, resulting in one of the patrol members being slightly injured. The statement confirmed that the military units deployed in the sector took strict security measures, and the necessary follow-up is being conducted on the incident.
Several casualties caused by remnant explosives in Idlib and Latakia
Noteworthy activity in the provinces of Idlib and Latakia involved fatal explosions caused by remnant devices. On 20 January, this included two separate detonations in the Jobas and Dadikh areas of Idlib province that killed two and injured two others in total. Separately, two rescue team volunteers were injured when a landmine detonated near a bulldozer at the entrance to Ain al-Ghazal village in Kansaba district, Latakia province. The explosion occurred as they worked to clear roads and remove earthen barriers left by the former regime. Such incidents continue to be reported on a daily basis across the country and serve as an enduring reminder of the high levels of contamination currently affecting Syria following years of armed conflict. Extreme caution is therefore warranted when transiting rural areas.