At least three people lost their lives and 31 others sustained injuries during violent clashes in the Syrian city of Aleppo on Monday. The confrontation occurred between troops of the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) amid ongoing discussions regarding the integration of the SDF into Syria’s state institutions. This escalation happens less than a week before a critical deadline stemming from the March 10 agreement, which called for a nationwide ceasefire and the incorporation of civil and military entities in northeastern Syria into the state framework.
The SDF, supported by the United States, is currently the most formidable non-governmental force in Syria, controlling key territories primarily in the northeast. According to the Aleppo Health Directorate, two civilians were confirmed dead, and eight others were injured due to SDF shelling targeting neighborhoods in Aleppo. In contrast, Farhad Shami, head of SDF media, reported that one civilian was killed and 23 injured, including six security personnel, due to mortar and heavy weapon attacks attributed to “factions affiliated with the Damascus government” on SDF-held areas.
Both the SDF and the Syrian Defense Ministry exchanged accusations regarding the origin of the clashes. The Defense Ministry claimed that its forces were responding to SDF fire that endangered civilian homes and military positions in government-controlled sectors of Aleppo. Following the violence, both parties announced they had ceased hostilities, with the SDF stating the halt was in response to “ongoing de-escalation contacts.”
Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, Syria’s Foreign Minister, criticized the SDF for not demonstrating enough commitment to the March 10 agreement. He indicated that Damascus had recently submitted a new proposal to facilitate progress and was currently evaluating the SDF’s response.
The clashes coincided with a visit from Hakan Fidan, the Turkish Foreign Minister, who expressed Turkey’s support for the integration talks. During a joint press conference, Fidan emphasized that incorporating the SDF into Syria’s administration should occur through dialogue and reconciliation. He cautioned that alternative approaches could jeopardize Syria’s security, as reported by the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). Fidan also remarked that the SDF has shown “little intention” to make meaningful progress.
Turkey has consistently opposed the SDF, which has received training and support from the US in its fight against the Islamic State. Ankara views the SDF as connected to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group it has designated as a terrorist organization.
As the situation in Aleppo unfolds, the international community remains watchful, aware that the ongoing tensions could significantly impact the broader peace process in Syria.
