Syrian Arab Army units engaged in violent clashes with Syrian Democratic Forces militia cells in Raqqa city's Saif al-Din neighborhood between 7:16 PM and 7:45 PM UTC on January 18, 2026, according to correspondent Zaino Yasser Mahamid. The Syrian Arab News Agency reported deployment of Internal Security Forces in Raqqa city during this period. Syrian Army forces captured multiple areas from SDF, including major oil and gas fields, while operating Turkish-supplied BMC Amazon 4x4 armored vehicles, as stated by war_noir on X. These developments follow the army's declaration of control over Raqqa city earlier between 6:16 PM and 7:15 PM UTC, per previous reports. In Hasakah countryside, SDF forces regained control of Al-Shaddadi housing after clashes with tribal fighters, local sources told Syrian Observer. SDF arrested more than 20 citizens, including women, in Tal Majdal village in Jabal Abdul Aziz area west of Hasakah, according to Syrian Revolution newspaper. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa held a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reviewing bilateral relations, Syria developments, and emphasizing Syria's unity and sovereignty, as reported by Sana. Qutaiba Idlibi, Director of American Affairs at Syria's Foreign Ministry, expressed satisfaction with the U.S. position on the ceasefire agreement signed earlier on January 18, per Al-Akhbariya.
