The Operations Authority of the Syrian Arab Army published maps of Site No. 1 and Site No. 2 in Deir Hafer, eastern Aleppo countryside, between 6:16 PM and 6:45 PM UTC on January 16, 2026, urging civilians to stay away as these locations held by PKK militia, SDF allies, and former regime remnants serve as bases for attacks on Aleppo and its eastern countryside, according to statements via SANA reported by @omar_alharir on X. The authority began issuing warnings about multiple locations in Deir Hafer used for military purposes by YPG/PKK forces, which will be targeted, as stated by @mintelworld on X during the 29-minute reporting window. Separately, Syria's Defense Ministry described the presence of major regime war criminals like Ali Kayali (Mihrac Ural), the 'Butcher of Baniyas,' and thousands of ex-regime fighters in SDF-held areas including Tabqa as a declaration of war, per @QalaatAlMudiq on X. Pro-SDF circles shared a photoshopped image of a US soldier in Deir Hafer from earlier on January 16, contrasting an authentic photo, as highlighted by @Charles_Lister on X. These warnings follow the reported arrival of PKK commander Bahuz Ordal in Tabqa to manage SDF operations, as stated by the Syrian Arab Army earlier on January 16 per @Sana__gov on X.
