Syria's Kurdish Fighters Stand Resilient Amid Government Advances

Tue Feb 03 2026 18:59:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria declare their commitment to continue the fight against the Damascus government, expressing feelings of betrayal from former allies, particularly the United States, as they face territorial encroachments.

As the Syrian government pressures Kurdish-led forces, Commander Azad vows to fight until the end. This report delves into the complexities of the Kurdish struggle in Syria, highlighting their injuries, betrayal, and resolve amidst renewed threats from government troops in resource-rich areas.

Syria's Kurdish Fighters Stand Resilient Amid Government Advances

In the face of increasing pressure from the Syrian government, Kurdish forces have declared their unwavering commitment to fight for their autonomy. Commander Azad, a seasoned veteran of the Syrian Kurdish forces, expresses a mix of pride and betrayal as he recounts his battle scars, each telling a story of resilience amidst the turmoil. Injured during attacks from both Turkish warplanes and ISIS, his physical wounds run deep, but the emotional pain of betrayal from his former US allies cuts even deeper.

“My leg was injured when we were bombed by a Turkish warplane in 2018,” he recounts, revealing shrapnel scars from past clashes. With a moral compass firmly rooted in the belief of fighting for freedom, Azad states, “History will hold them accountable,” referring to the US's former support which has now seemingly shifted as the Syrian government regains control.

Recently, government troops have begun to retake crucial resource-rich regions from Kurdish-led forces, particularly the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who had held these territories since driving out ISIS in 2019. The Kurdish resistance has been marked by significant losses and constant vigilance, with recent offensives pushing their defenses to the brink.

As tensions escalate, Commander Azad insists, “We are not cry-babies. We will keep fighting until our last breath.” This defiant stance reflects the broader sentiments of the Kurdish population, who face an uncertain future amid shifting alliances and resentments.

Despite fears of an impending all-out war, Kurdish leaders, including SDF spokesperson Siyamend Ali, are lobbying for a permanent ceasefire, hoping to avert further bloodshed. Current negotiations come as a fragile ceasefire nears its expiration on February 7 and reflect an urgent need for stability in the region.

The complexity of the situation is heightened by the need to manage thousands of detained fighters and their families from the remnants of ISIS, trapped in makeshift camps that could ignite chaos should conflict spread.

As this conflict unfolds, both the Kurdish forces' resolve and the international community's attention remain pivotal in determining the future of northeastern Syria. The story continues to develop as both sides brace for what may come next in this long-standing struggle for autonomy and recognition.