Saturday

January 17, 2026

Armed conflicts and attacks

Syrian conflict

SDF–Syrian transitional government clashes

2026 northeastern Syria offensive

Syrian government forces capture many towns in Aleppo Governorate, including Dayr Hafir and Maskanah, after Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) units withdraw from their positions. The Syrian Army also reportedly expelled the SDF from Al-Tabqah. (Al Jazeera)

Iraqi conflict, Iraq–United States relations

The United States Armed Forces formally withdraws from Iraq's Al-Asad Airbase, handing over full operational control of the airbase to the Iraqi Armed Forces for the first time since 2014. (Reuters)

Business and economy

EU–Mercosur Association Agreement

The European Union and Mercosur formally sign the free trade agreement between the two blocs after 25 years of negotiations. (Reuters)