Syrian Arab Army forces seized the Rusafa area, its ancient citadel, and seven surrounding villages in the southern countryside of Raqqa, while controlling Tabqa military airport after expelling SDF militias, between 2:16 PM and 2:45 PM UTC on January 17, 2026, according to the army's Operations Authority reported by الإخبارية السورية and a military source shared by Wolveri07681751 on X. The army announced control of the Rusafa citadel, opening another axis of progression toward the Euphrates, as stated by SimNasr on X. Syrian artillery targeted SDF positions in Al-Tabqah city and a militia site in the first district of Tabqa, per MenaLive and Raqqa_SL on X. The Operations Authority noted forces further tightened the noose on the Tabqa military airport, a primary PKK base, via الإخبارية السورية. In Al-Mansurah town west of Raqqa, Al-Bukhamis tribesmen captured 30 SDF prisoners, according to Al7khalidi on X. Al-Julani-affiliated groups claimed control of seven villages near Rusafa, as reported by ALMIHWAR NEWS. A mass withdrawal of SDF elements occurred from checkpoints in Al-Tayanah, Darnaj, and Dhiban towns in eastern Deir Ezzor amid fears of attacks, with clashes between local clans and SDF and evacuation of the Al-Tayana checkpoint, DeirEzzor24 and syrianFactCheck posted on X. No Syrian army forces crossed from Deir ez-Zor, syrianFactCheck added. An international coalition helicopter flew over the Adoption Desert, per Zaino Yasser Mahameed. These developments follow Syrian army advances and clashes in Tabqa and Al-Mansoura earlier on January 17, as previously reported.
