Syrian army and Kurdish forces exchange fire
Clashes mark potential escalation as both sides blame each other amid stalled integration deal
ALEPPO, Syria (MNTV) — Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) exchanged strikes in eastern Aleppo province, raising tensions after days of fighting in the city and amid stalled negotiations over integrating Kurdish fighters into the national army.
The Syrian army earlier declared areas east of Aleppo a “closed military zone,” citing SDF mobilization near Deir Hafer and Maskana districts and accusing the group of using the zone to launch drones and artillery attacks, according to Arab News.
The SDF said government troops shelled Deir Hafer and nearby villages with exploding drones, rockets, and artillery, while state media reported that Kurdish forces struck the village of Homeima.
Last week’s clashes in Aleppo displaced tens of thousands of residents and ended with the evacuation of Kurdish fighters from Sheikh Maqsoud, giving Damascus full control of contested neighborhoods, including Achrafieh.
Syrian officials said the SDF has refused to fully comply with the March 2025 deal to merge its fighters with the national army, causing friction with the central government.
Some factions within the new Syrian army, formed after the fall of former President Bashar Assad in December 2024, include former Turkiye-backed insurgents who have historically clashed with Kurdish forces.
The SDF, long a U.S. partner in fighting Daesh, faces pressure from Washington to implement the integration agreement, even as the Trump administration maintains relations with Damascus.
SDF officials and the autonomous administration in northeastern Syria expressed frustration over delays and accused government forces of “horrific violations” in recent clashes, claiming involvement of IS-linked and foreign fighters.
Elham Ahmad, a Kurdish administration foreign relations official, called on the United States to clarify its stance on Damascus’ actions.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
