The Impact of the Olive Branch Operation on the Syrian Issue

In January 25, 2023, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched a wide-scale security operation. It covered the governorate of Raqqa as a whole in addition to the Serrin and its surrounding area eastern Aleppo. The operation is supported and covered by the US-led International coalition forces.

Reviewing the local and international developments that occurred in Syria in 2022 makes it seems like that 2023 does not bring major changes in the scene, with the exception of some repercussions resulting from the tense relations between international actors.

During 2022, the Syrian opposition maintained its areas of control in northern and southern Syria without any new changes at the expense of the Syrian regime forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). However, on the other hand, some changes occurred in the map of internal influence within the areas controlled by the factions, specifically in northwestern Syria.

An Emirati delegation headed by the United Arab Emirates foreign minister, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Al Nahyan on January 4, 2023 made a visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, and met the head of the Syrian regime, Bashar al -Assad. This visit is the second to Syria after the return of diplomatic relations between the two parties late 2018.

On January 14, 2023, the Head of the Syrian regime issued Decree No. 2 of 2023 regarding that regulates the affairs of the children of unknown parentage.

On January 12, 2023, the Turkish forces targeted a joint location of the Syrian regime forces, Iranian militias, and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the town of "Al-Mayassa" of the Nubul district, which is located near the lines of contact with the city of Afrin, north of Aleppo.