SHOTLIST:

RAQQA, SYRIA (JAN. 18, 2026) (ANADOLU – ACCESS ALL)

1. VARIOUS OF SYRIANS RUSHING TO STREETS IN CELEBRATION, HONKING, OPENING FIRE IN AIR RAQQA, SYRIA - JAN. 18: Syrian army units began entering the city center of Raqqa on Sunday, Jan. 18, as part of an ongoing operation against the YPG/SDF terror group.

Residents gathered in the city center and welcomed Syrian forces, showing their support.

Meanwhile, the Syrian army opened two new fronts against the terror group from the Tel Abyad region along the Turkish border.

Forces launched offensives pushing south from Tel Abyad into the rural outskirts of Raqqa and eastward toward Hasakah.

Intense gunfire was heard across the area as Syrian forces attempt to clear the city of terrorist elements.

If Syrian forces reach the Raqqa countryside from the Tal Abyad axis, the link between the terror group’s positions in Ayn al-Arab and Hasakah province will be cut.