The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) exploded the new Al-Rashid bridge in Raqqa city between 4:15 AM and 5:15 AM UTC on January 18, 2026, according to the Raqqa Media Directorate as reported by syr_television on X. Separately, an SDF heavy drone dropped a mortar round on a group of Syrian Transitional Government (STG) soldiers during this period, causing about 10 casualties, per NotWoofers on X. The bridge explosion follows reports of SDF forces destroying a new bridge to hinder Syrian army advances toward Raqqa, as stated by BarracudaVol1 on X in an earlier period. Raqqa Media Directorate described the incident as urgent in the post shared by syr_television. These developments come after 64 SDF members surrendered to the Syrian army in Mansura town, Raqqa province, between 2:45 AM and 3:45 AM UTC, according to Zaino Yasser Mahameed on X citing Cadusuhan_2. Ongoing clashes between SDF and government-affiliated factions continue in Deir ez-Zor countryside towns including Ghranij, Abu Hammam, Keshkiye, Dhiban, and Tiyana, as confirmed by an SDF statement shared by Vvanwilgenburg on X earlier on January 18.
