2026 SDF missile strikes in Hasakah

The 2026 SDF missile strikes in Hasakah refer to a series of attacks reported by the Syrian Ministry of Defence on 21 January 2026, during the first day of a declared ceasefire between the Syrian Armed Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Syria. According to Syrian government statements, SDF units targeted army positions more than 35 times in Hasakah Governorate, resulting in the deaths of 11 soldiers and injuries to more than 25 others. The SDF denied responsibility for initiating the clashes and accused government forces of violating the truce.

Incident at Al-Ya'rubiyah Border Crossing
Ministry of Defense of Syria: Seven soldiers killed and 20 others wounded near a factory for manufacturing improvised explosive devices and drone munitions close to the al-Ya'rubiyah border crossing in the Hasakah countryside. The factory contained Iranian-made drones that the SDF was preparing to arm, and army units were working to secure it.

SDF missile strikes in Aleppo
The Syrian Army Operations Command: Four soldiers were killed in an attack by the SDF targeting army positions in Jabal Abdul Aziz in the Hasakah countryside and the village of Al-Sana'a, east of Aleppo.

Background
A four-day ceasefire between the Syrian government and the SDF was announced on 20 January 2026 in an effort to reduce tensions in northeastern Syria and reopen negotiations over security arrangements in Hasakah Governorate. The region has long been contested between Damascus and the Kurdish-led SDF, which is supported by the United States.

Despite the agreement, both sides accused each other of preparing for further military action, raising concerns that the truce would be short-lived.
Incident
According to the Syrian Ministry of Defence’s Media and Communications Department, SDF forces carried out more than 35 attacks on Syrian army positions on the first day of the ceasefire. The ministry stated that the assaults included missile fire, drone strikes, and small-arms attacks on checkpoints and military posts across Hasakah Governorate.

Syrian state media reported that at least seven soldiers were killed in a drone strike near the al-Yaarubiyah border crossing, with additional casualties from follow-on clashes involving gunfire and armored The total death toll was reported as 11 soldiers, with more than 25 wounded.

The SDF rejected the government’s account and said its forces were responding to violations by Syrian troops.

References

Category:Syria