Syrian security forces released approximately 60 SDF-affiliated fighters who surrendered last week in Aleppo's Ashrafiyah-Sheikh Maqsoud districts tonight, according to Qalaat Al Mudiq on X during the 29-minute reporting window ending at 5:15 p.m. UTC on January 14, 2026. First photos showed SDF fighters who defected today from Sheikh Maqsoud meeting the Aleppo Security commander. Qalaat Al Mudiq posted the release announcement and photos, noting the defectors' meeting with the commander. Concurrently, SDF leader Saleh Muslim stated via Almihwar News that Deir Hafer is a strategic area which the SDF will defend with all force, warning the battle there will differ from Sheikh Maqsoud and that Damascus forces target Raqqa, Tabqa, and Ayn al-Arab amid chaotic defensive arrangements. Muslim added, "The situation is very chaotic and frankly we don't know where things are going," according to Almihwar News in the same period. These developments follow SDF reports of escalations in Deir Hafer and Maskanah since dawn today, per their statement cited in the previous report at 4:45 p.m. UTC, and ongoing clashes in Sheikh Maqsoud where five internal security members blew themselves up earlier today to avoid capture, as reported by Rudaw.
