The Truth About Rojava and The Syrian Crisis - 19/01/2026 - Kurdistan News

Map of Syria and Rojava as of 19th January 2026

Introduction

The events unfolding in Rojava, West Kurdistan, are the consequences of numerous other conflicts occurring throughout the Middle East.

In this post, I will share my analysis and perspectives on the situation, exploring both what has transpired and what might lie ahead.

It's important to keep in mind that when the U.S. and Israel are involved, there often lies a much larger conspiracy at play behind the scenes, influencing these events.

What Is Happening?

In early January 2026, tensions between Syria's transitional government (led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who ousted Bashar al-Assad in late 2024) and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) escalated into open conflict. Government forces launched an offensive on January 13, rapidly capturing key northeastern areas, including towns in Aleppo, Raqqa, and Deir ez-Zor governorates, as well as major oil and gas fields and the Tabqa Dam. This displaced tens of thousands and led to dozens of deaths.

A US-brokered ceasefire was announced on January 18, with the SDF agreeing to integrate individually into the Syrian army, hand over civilian institutions, border crossings, energy resources, and IS prisoner camps to Damascus—effectively ending over a decade of Kurdish semi-autonomy in the northeast. Al-Sharaa called it a "victory for all Syrians," while SDF leaders emphasized defending their rights.

As of January 19, both sides accuse each other of violations, with clashes reported around IS prisons in Raqqa and Hasakah, leading to some prisoner escapes and ongoing skirmishes. The US continues anti-ISIS strikes and urges restraint, amid broader regional tensions including with Israel over the Golan Heights and intercommunal unrest. The situation remains fluid, with talks ongoing in Damascus.

Why Is This Happening Now?

Iran! That is the answer as to why this is taking place now.

This so-called offensive in Rojava stems from a deal made between the U.S., Israel, and Turkey to release approximately 10,000 ISIS prisoners. The plan is to utilize these individuals in a campaign against Iran, albeit in an indirect manner.

The current regime in Syria is far from being a peaceful one; in fact, its history is quite the opposite. It is associated with Sunni extremist groups, making it a strategic force to counter the Shia militias led by Iran.

You can observe the Iraqi Shia militias, which have been funded by Iran from the start, mobilizing and gathering forces along the border. This conflict is poised to spill over into the Iraqi Shia state. To effectively weaken Iran, the U.S. must first undermine its allies. This strategy has already been applied in Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria. The next target appears to be the Shia militias in Iraq.

Unfortunately, for Israel and the U.S., the Kurds are often treated as a bargaining chip that they utilize repeatedly. They have used the Kurds in Syria, as a bargaining chip to use the Sunni militia in Syria to help defeat the Shia Militia in Iraq.

What Happens Next?

The future remains uncertain, as we lack insight into the deals being negotiated behind the scenes. So far, the situation appears grim for the Kurdish region of Syria. We can only hope it doesn't result in a complete betrayal, though the signs so far are concerning.