Syrian Armed Forces are in the news as they expand control in northeast Syria, taking key towns after US troop withdrawals.
On February 3, 2026, Syria's interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) began implementing a historic agreement reached on January 30 to integrate Kurdish forces and institutions into the Syrian state. This follows a government offensive reclaiming large Kurdish-held territories since early January. The deal includes forming a military division with SDF brigades, merging Kurdish civil bodies into state institutions, and deploying government forces to key northeastern cities, aiming to unify Syria and avoid further conflict.
Syrian government forces have entered Kurdish-controlled areas in northeast Syria following a recent agreement with the SDF to integrate into the Syrian army. Despite a ceasefire extension, clashes and territorial disputes continue, with international actors urging restraint and negotiations to stabilize the region.
As of February 13, 2026, Iraq has received over 5,000 Islamic State (IS) detainees transferred from Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) prisons in northeast Syria. The transfers, coordinated by the US-led coalition, aim to prevent IS prisoners from escaping amid Syrian government advances. Iraq is investigating and prosecuting detainees under its laws, while humanitarian concerns persist in camps holding IS families.
Syrian forces have taken control of the strategic al-Tanf military base in southeastern Syria after coordination with the US, marking a shift in US military strategy. The US has been reducing its presence in Syria, focusing on ISIS threats, with about 900 troops remaining. The move follows recent US and Syrian government agreements.
Recent clashes in northeastern Syria led to mass escapes from al-Hol and Roj camps housing suspected IS families. Syrian forces took control after Kurdish-led SDF withdrew, raising security concerns. Australia’s detained nationals remain unreturned amid political tensions. The situation highlights regional instability and ongoing risks of IS resurgence.
Syria's president stated that the country will remain outside the ongoing regional conflict unless directly targeted. Despite deploying troops to borders with Lebanon and Iraq, Syria emphasizes its desire for peaceful relations and warns against becoming an arena of war, citing the current volatility and regional tensions.
U.S. forces have completed the handover of major military sites in Syria to the Syrian government, following a deal with Kurdish-led forces and the Syrian regime. The withdrawal marks a shift in regional military presence, with Syria now assuming full control of former U.S. bases. The U.S. continues to support counterterrorism efforts without maintaining permanent outposts.