On January 18, 2026, Syrian government forces successfully captured the city of Raqqa, marking a significant shift in control from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to Damascus. The advance followed the fall of the strategically important Tabqa Dam earlier that day. Military vehicles streamed towards the dam as soldiers celebrated their victory, posing for photographs along the banks of the Euphrates River.
Among the soldiers was Abu Khaled, a 33-year-old from the Syrian Army’s 82nd Division. “The last time I came to Raqqa, it was on a school trip. Today, I’m coming to liberate it,” he declared, reflecting on the profound changes in the region. The SDF, which had previously administered Raqqa with support from the United States and other international partners, lost control after years of fighting against the Islamic State.
Celebrations and Tensions in Raqqa
The following day, celebrations erupted in Raqqa, particularly at al-Naim Square, where crowds gathered to proclaim their “liberation.” Gunfire rang out as people waved Syrian flags and danced traditional dabke. Many shops, however, remained closed, and the scent of gunpowder lingered in the air.
Ahmed al-Boch, 33, who had faced arrest while attempting to celebrate a previous anniversary of the regime’s fall, expressed his relief at the change in power. “For the first time, I feel like I belong to this country,” he said, surrounded by children waving flags and adults celebrating their newfound freedom.
Residents voiced feelings of marginalization under SDF governance. Abdulmajid Tuma, 45, articulated the widespread sentiment that Arab citizens had been treated as “fourth-class citizens.” He highlighted systemic discrimination, stating, “Raqqa is 95% Arab, yet we had no power.” Tuma emphasized that while the region is rich in resources, including oil and agriculture, the local population has remained impoverished.
Humanitarian Struggles Amid Political Change
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the humanitarian situation remains precarious. Clashes in the region have damaged infrastructure, including a bridge across the Euphrates, which the SDF bombed during their withdrawal. Abu Hussein, a 32-year-old fisherman, now finds himself ferrying goods across the river by boat. “The old bridge was destroyed. Now we cross by boat,” he noted, underscoring the logistical challenges faced by residents.
As Kurdish civilians assessed their situation, many chose to leave Raqqa, leading to a significant exodus from Kurdish neighborhoods. Once comprising roughly 25% of Raqqa’s population, the Kurdish community feels increasingly vulnerable. Symbols of Kurdish identity, such as flags, have been removed, and the atmosphere has turned tense.
A Kurdish notable, speaking anonymously amid rising tensions, lamented the toppling of a statue representing the Women’s Protection Units, a symbol of Kurdish self-rule. He expressed hope that negotiations with Damascus might yield positive outcomes but acknowledged the fear of reprisals against Kurdish civilians. “What happened in Sweida or along the coast could happen again elsewhere,” he cautioned, referring to past communal violence.
The recent ceasefire agreement between Damascus and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi outlines a 14-clause plan aimed at formalizing the transfer of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor provinces back to Syrian control. This agreement, which includes provisions for local autonomy in Kobane, effectively signifies the end of the autonomous administration in northeast Syria.
As Raqqa celebrates a new chapter, residents in nearby Hasakah remain uncertain about their future. Patricia, a 22-year-old Armenian media worker, reflected on the fragile coexistence of various ethnic groups in the city. “What comes next is uncertain—especially after reports of massacres along the coast and in Sweida,” she noted.
The evolving situation in Raqqa illustrates the complexities of ethnic and political dynamics in Syria. With the Syrian government regaining control, the implications for Kurdish rights and local governance remain unclear. As Syrian forces continue their advance, both celebration and apprehension shape the landscape of Raqqa and its surrounding areas.
