Truce deal reached between Damascus and Kurds; Syrian army enters Raqqa | LIVE

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Israeli army fires shells at Maroun al-Ras, south Lebanon; overflights in Bekaa

After a relatively calm day in southern Lebanon, the Israeli army fired four artillery shells from the “Raheb” Israeli position toward the border village of Maroun al-Ras in the Bint Jbeil district this evening, our regional correspondent reported.

Earlier, Israeli warplane overflights were heard in the Bekaa and Hermel regions, added our Bekaa correspondent.

U.S. envoy hails Syria-SDF truce as 'pivotal inflection point'

U.S. envoy for Syria Tom Barrack praised Syrian President Ahmad al-Shareh and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi Sunday for reaching a truce and integration agreement.

“This agreement and cease-fire represent a pivotal inflection point, where former adversaries embrace partnership over division” Barrack wrote on X, adding that Sharaa and Abdi are “two great Syrian leaders … have now come together to forge a brighter future for all Syrians.”

He added that Sharaa “affirmed that the Kurds are an integral part of Syria,” and said the U.S. welcomes the “seamless integration” of its “historic partner in the fight against ISIS.”

Barrack, also U.S. ambassador to Turkey, said work on finalizing the comprehensive integration agreement begins now and that “the United States stands firmly behind this process at every stage.”

Damascus-SDF truce

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa signing the cease-fire agreement with SDF (Credit: Rami al-Sayed/HO by Syrian presidency via AFP)

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa signed Sunday the agreement reached with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) at the presidential palace in Damascus.

The new arrangement replaces a stalled deal from March 2025 and provides for the integration of the SDF into the Syrian army, along with an immediate cease-fire to halt government advances in northeastern Syria.

Although initially expected in Damascus, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi ultimately signed the agreement remotely by phone, Al Jazeera reported.

Full Syria-SDF agreement details published

The Syrian Minister of the Interior and Information, Hamza Mustafa, published the full version of the agreement signed on Sunday between the Syrian government and the Kurdish forces.

• The agreement provides for the creation, by presidential decree, of a governor of Hasakah, a post that could be filled by SDF commander Mazloum Abdi.
• It also calls for the withdrawal of military forces from Ain al-Arab/Kobane, to be replaced by a local security force and a police force administratively attached to Syrian Interior Ministry.
• Management of prisons and camps holding Islamic State members, as well as the forces guarding them, will be integrated into a Syrian state structure, giving Damascus full legal and security responsibility (which up to today, have been managed by the SDF).
• A list of leaders proposed by the SDF will fill high-level military, security and civilian positions in the central government to ensure a "national partnership."

Iran warns Trump against targeting Khamenei

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian said Sunday that any attack on Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would be “equivalent to an all-out war against the Iranian nation,” responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for new leadership in Iran.

Trump told Politico, “It’s time to look for new leadership in Iran. The man is a sick man who should run his country properly and stop killing people,” referring to Khamenei, 86, who has led Iran since 1989.

Kurds hand over Raqqa and Deir al-Zor to Damascus

Under the truce agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF, the administration of Raqqa and Deir al-Zor, east of the Euphrates, was immediately transferred to the government.

Both Sunni-majority cities were retaken Sunday by Syrian government forces, prompting SDF withdrawals on multiple fronts in northeastern Syria.

Damascus-SDF truce deal includes military integration and control of energy fields

The agreement signed Sunday in Damascus between the Syrian government and the SDF provides for the integration of all SDF forces into the Defense Ministry and the transfer of oil and gas field management to the Syrian state, Syria TV reported.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa also said that “all outstanding issues with the SDF will be settled,” according to Syrian state media.

Syria announces cease-fire and new agreement with Kurdish forces

⚡ Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced Sunday the signing of an immediate cease-fire and a new agreement with the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Syrian state media reported.

Speaking in Damascus, Sharaa said the government is preparing to deploy in “three governorates in the east and northeast” as part of the arrangement with SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, who is in the capital.

“We advise our Arab tribes to remain calm and allow the implementation of the terms of the agreement,” Sharaa added, as Syrian army units and tribal fighters allied with Damascus continue advancing in the northeast, particularly toward Raqqa and Hasakah.

The president also reaffirmed “the unity of Syria and its sovereignty over all its territory, as well as the importance of dialogue at this stage and the reconstruction of Syria with the participation of all Syrians,” the statement said.

Earlier, Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa said a cease-fire announcement would be made at 6 p.m. local time, outlining the modalities for the “full integration of the SDF into the Syrian state.”

Syrian army crosses Euphrates, enters Raqqa amid deadly clashes

Syrian government troops crossed the Euphrates and entered Raqqa, continuing their advance in northeastern Syria, SANA reported Sunday.

Videos on social media show Syrian army vehicles moving through the outskirts, greeted by cheering residents. A Syrian flag was raised in Clock Square, while portraits of PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan were removed, according to other images.

Local sources told Al Jazeera that street fighting killed at least 10 people, including a child killed by sniper fire blamed on Kurdish SDF fighters.

Sharaa meets Barrack in Damascus amid clashes with the Kurds

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomes U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in Damascus on Jan. 18, 2026. (Credit: SANA)

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met today with U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in Damascus, the presidency said.

“The president reaffirmed Syria’s unity and sovereignty over all its territory, the importance of dialogue, and the construction of Syria with the participation of all Syrians, in addition to continuing coordination in the fight against terrorism,” the statement posted on X read.

The meeting also covered ways to strengthen economic cooperation between Syria and the U.S. and discussed the latest regional developments.

(Credit: Khalil Ashawi/Reuters)

Syrian soldiers cross a bridge connecting the two banks of the Euphrates River in Deir al-Zor, which was retaken in its entirety by government forces in Damascus, on Jan. 18, 2026, in eastern Syria.

Syrian tribal forces seize 13 localities in Hasakah

Tribal forces allied with the Syrian government have taken control of 13 localities in southern Hasakah province, a source told Al Jazeera today.

The source added that clashes are ongoing between other tribal forces and Kurdish SDF fighters in Raqqa’s Saif al-Dawla district.

Kurdish commander urges U.S. to 'intervene forcefully' in Syria clashes

The Kurdish YPG commander, Sipan Hamo, called on the U.S. military today to “intervene forcefully” to halt the Syrian army’s offensive in northeastern Syria, Reuters reported.

“Our greatest hope is that there will be a tangible outcome, especially from the coalition and the United States, meaning that they will intervene more forcefully in the existing problems than what they are currently doing,” Hamo said.

He said a Saturday meeting between U.S. envoy Tom Barrack and Kurdish officials produced “no roadmap for a cease-fire,” and denied that Syrian Kurds seek independence, emphasizing their future lies within Syria.

Syrian troops continue advancing across multiple areas despite a U.S. Central Command call to stop.

👉Read the full report here.

SDF chief Mazloum Abdi arrives in Damascus

Mazloum Abdi, commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), arrived in Damascus today as the Syrian army continues its offensive in northeastern Syria.

He is scheduled to meet with President Ahmad al-Sharaa and U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack.

Damascus accuses Kurds of 'war crimes' in Tabqa prison

The Syrian government accused Kurdish SDF fighters of committing “war crimes” at Tabqa prison in central Syria, retaken today by the Syrian army during its northeast offensive.

Syrian state media said executions were carried out before the Kurdish withdrawal.

“These killings are in addition to a long list of abuses committed against civilians in areas under their control,” the Damascus government said, according to SANA.

Iran threatens death penalty as 20,000 arrested in protests

Iranian human rights groups said up to 20,000 people have been arrested since nationwide protests began.

Today, Iranian judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir said that speedy trials would be held, warning that some actions amounted to the crime of “war against God,” punishable by death.

“Those who played a decisive role in these calls for violence, led to a bloodbath and significant damage to public finances, will not be spared,” he said, contradicting recent diplomatic messages that executions would be put to halt.

At least 5,000 people have been killed in the crackdown, including around 500 members of the security forces, an Iranian official told Reuters earlier today.

Macron urges permanent cease-fire with Kurds in Syria

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke today with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, expressing concern over the escalation of violence as Syrian forces dislodged Kurdish troops from several cities and strategic areas.

“I conveyed to him our concern about the escalation in Syria and the continuation of the offensive carried out by the Syrian authorities,” Macron wrote on X.

He called for a “permanent cease-fire” and an agreement on integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces, which are Kurdish-led, into the Syrian state, in line with the stalled March 10, 2025, agreement aimed at bringing Kurdish civilian and military institutions under Damascus administration.

Two civilians killed as Syrian army advances on Raqqa

Syrian state media said the SDF is reportedly withdrawing from Raqqa in the face of the Syrian army’s advance. The official al-ekhabriya channel reported a “massive defection of members of the SDF organization” in the city, while the SANA news agency said two civilians were killed by Kurdish forces.

Several videos posted on social media show residents celebrating the arrival of Syrian army tanks and groups of tribal fighters allied with Damascus.

The SDF, for its part, said its forces had been targeted by “IS terrorist cells” but did not confirm that it had retreated.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported clashes between the SDF "and Arab tribal fighters" in some areas of the city.

Jordan, Pakistan invited to U.S. Gaza 'Board of Peace'

Jordan and Pakistan said today they received invitations from U.S. President Donald Trump to join a new “Board of Peace” for Gaza, part of Washington’s plan for a cease-fire and reconstruction in the Palestinian enclave.

This follows earlier invitations to Egypt and Canada.

The announcements come after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the White House for selecting officials without consulting Israel.

👉Read more here.

Syrian army personnel patrol in their vehicles mounted with rocket launchers near Tabqa, in Raqa province, on the southwestern banks of the Euphrates on Jan. 18, 2026. (Credit: Omar Haj Kadour/AFP)

Sharaa, SDF commander, and Tom Barrack to meet in Damascus

⚡ The Syrian Information Ministry confirmed today that President Ahmad al-Sharaa will meet Kurdish SDF commander Mazloum Abdi in Damascus, alongside U.S. Syria envoy Tom Barrack.

The talks come as government forces continue advancing on multiple fronts in northeastern Syria, territory under the de facto control of the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of Northeastern Syria (AANES) for the past decade.

Iran to gradually restore internet access

Iranian authorities said they are considering “gradually” restoring internet access after a total shutdown on Jan. 8, Tasnim news agency reported Sunday.

AFP journalists in Tehran were able to access the global internet this morning, though most providers remain blocked. The reasons for the limited access were not immediately clear.

Phone calls abroad were restored Tuesday, and text messaging returned Saturday. Citing a well-informed source, Tasnim added local messaging apps would "soon be enabled" on Iran’s domestic internet.

Syrian army seizes strategic Tabqa Dam

The Syrian Energy Ministry said Sunday that government forces had taken control of the strategic Tabqa Dam on the Euphrates in central Syria.

The announcement comes as the army continues its advance across northeastern Syria, previously under the Kurdish-led SDF. Clashes were also reported around the Tishreen Dam east of Aleppo.

SDF reportedly destroys bridges as Syrian army advances on Raqqa

A destroyed bridge crossing the Euphrates on the outskirts of Raqqa (Credit: SANA)

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) destroyed two bridges over the Euphrates leading to Raqqa, the state-rune Syrian news agency, SANA, reported today, as government forces continued their advance in the area.

SANA published an image showing what it said was one of the collapsed bridges blown up by Kurdish fighters.

Syrian army further pushes into Kurdish-held northeast territories

The Syrian government army continued its offensive today in areas controlled by the Kurdish-led Autonomous Authority for North-East Syria (AANES), including key oil and gas fields.

After capturing Deir Hafer and Maskana yesterday, government forces entered Tabqa this morning, where the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said they had withdrawn. Overnight, troops advanced nearly 50 km west to east, taking a checkpoint south of Raqqa, the AANES administrative center on the Euphrates.

Fighting also continued east of Aleppo around the strategic Tishreen dam, while the SDF reported “intense clashes” in five localities between Deir Ezzor and the Iraqi border. Authorities in Deir Ezzor said Kurdish forces of shelled the government-controlled city center.

Reuters reported that the Conoco gas field, Syria’s largest, was retaken by government forces today in the Deir Ezzor countryside.

Government-aligned tribal fighters clashed with SDF forces in areas including Gharanij and Abu Hammam, with videos showing residents celebrating the SDF’s departure.

PKK leader calls fighting in northeast Syria 'sabotage'

The fighting between the Syrian army and Kurdish forces in northeast Syria is "an attempt to sabotage the peace process" between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), the jailed leader of the Kurdish militant group, Abdullah Öcalan, said.

The PKK made a similar warning earlier this month, saying the Syria clashes "call into question the cease-fire between our movement and Turkey."

On Feb. 27, 2025, Öcalan called on the PKK to disband and lay down its arms, aiming to end more than four decades of conflict that has left at least 50,000 dead, in response to an initiative by Ankara.

Iran official: At least 5,000 killed in protests

At least 5,000 people have been killed in Iran amid ongoing protests and a violent crackdown, including roughly 500 security force members, an Iranian official in the region told Reuters on Sunday.

A local resident contacted by L’Orient Today said the figure — 5,000 killed — had been circulating for about a week.

Netanyahu convenes coalition over Gaza advisory council

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his coalition Sunday morning after opposing the composition of a Gaza advisory committee set up by the White House, officials and press reports said.

The "Executive Board" for Gaza announced this week under a broader U.S.-led "Board of Peace," chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, as part of his 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza. The board includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari diplomat Ali al-Thawadi, and other regional and international figures.

Late Saturday, Netanyahu’s office said the prime minister asked the foreign minister to contact the U.S. secretary of state about the appointments. "The prime minister has asked the foreign minister to contact the U.S. secretary of state about this," a statement by Netanyahu's office read.

Israel has long opposed Turkish involvement in Gaza, particularly amid deteriorating relations with Ankara since the October 2023 war.

Israel continues cease-fire violations in southern Lebanon

Israeli forces carried out several incursions overnight in southern Lebanon, our regional correspondent reported.

Around 11 p.m. Saturday, soldiers entered Odaisseh in the Marjayoun district, blowing up a house and an ironwork workshop.

Around midnight, another group of Israeli troops moved into Kfar Kila (Marjayoun), carrying out a separate dynamiting operations near a Lebanese Army checkpoint on the old village square.

An Israeli artillery shell also struck the outskirts of Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya).

Syrian army claims strategic northern town

The Syrian army said Sunday it had captured a strategic town in the north, pushing forward after intense clashes with Kurdish forces who had held de facto autonomy for more than a decade.

"Kurdish-led forces withdrew on Sunday from Syria's largest oil field in the eastern province of Deir al-Zor, a monitor said, as their fighters clashed with government soldiers who have extended their grip on Kurdish-run areas in recent days," AFP reported.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa is pressing his offensive despite calls from Washington and Paris to halt the advance. His forces are now moving toward Raqqa, the former Islamic State stronghold, following a Friday agreement that granted the Kurds unprecedented — but still disputed — national rights.

👉Read the details here.

Good morning

Thank you for joining our live coverage of developments across the Middle East.

Today, we'll track the latest from Lebanon and Gaza, where Israeli strikes continue despite cease-fires.

In Syria, we'll keep an eye on Syria, where the army has extended control in the north amid Kurdish resistance.

We'll also follow developments in Iran, where large-scale anti-government protests have shaken the authorities for weeks, a crackdown has left thousands dead, and the United States continues to loom over potential action against the Islamic Republic.

Finally, we remain attentive to events in Yemen and other countries in the region, in a geopolitical context that has been volatile for over two years.