Fighting has resurfaced in Syria’s northeast, raising fears over the future of Kurdish self-rule in the region known as Rojava. After President Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapsed in December 2024, hopes were high that interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa would stabilize the country through an inclusive political process. Instead, Syria has seen renewed sectarian tensions and fresh military confrontations.
The latest violence has pitted Syrian government forces against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have controlled large parts of eastern and northern Syria since the 2011 civil war. Government troops have regained some territory, pushing the SDF out of key areas. Although a ceasefire is officially in place, a fragile and tense standoff continues.
Turkiye’s backing of Syrian government forces, its opposition to Kurdish militias near its border, and the uncertain stance of the United States have further complicated the situation. The unrest now threatens to undo years of limited Kurdish autonomy in Syria.
