After Regime Change, Syria Reclaims Northern Cities from YPG, Begins Reconstruction and Public Restoration

2026-01-30 - 09:45

With the decades-long Ba'athist rule now ended and the YPG/PKK occupation swept from northern Syria, the country’s new administration is undertaking a comprehensive effort to restore national unity and rebuild war-torn regions. In newly secured cities such as Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, the government is prioritizing demining, restoring public services, and rehabilitating institutions that had been converted into military bases by the terrorist group. Clearing Explosives and Freeing Detainees The first task in liberated areas has been clearing explosives and mines planted by terrorists. Civilians—including children—who were imprisoned without cause are being released. Schools and hospitals previously used as YPG headquarters are undergoing renovation to reopen soon. Repairing Infrastructure and Lifting Restrictions The YPG had left public infrastructure in a state of near collapse. Road and bridge repairs are now underway, and voluntary clean-up efforts are being supported by residents. The group had also limited electricity to just two hours a day and restricted internet access, forcing residents to use RojavaCell SIM cards, which were reportedly funneling user data to foreign intelligence agencies. The sale of these cards has now been banned, and Syrian telecom networks are being restored. Return of the Syrian Flag and Public Morale With the Syrian army’s arrival, the three-star Syrian flag—whose display was once grounds for arrest by the YPG—now flies openly over homes and public buildings, symbolizing the return of free expression and national unity. Security and the Fight Against Drugs Security officials report that Raqqa had become a hub for terrorism and drug trafficking under YPG control. Mobile security patrols have been deployed around the clock, and narcotics units will soon be stationed in the region to eradicate networks dealing in substances such as Captagon. Authorities also plan to review political detainee cases while keeping violent criminals imprisoned and to destroy the extensive tunnel network dug by the PKK/YPG, which poses an ongoing safety threat.