Syrian Army Regains Control in Eastern Aleppo Towns Following Kurdish Withdrawal

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Syria’s military has taken control of dozens of towns and villages east of Aleppo governorate. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led group, withdrew from the areas on Saturday morning, following deadly clashes with government forces.

The SDF had previously withdrawn from Aleppo city last week, after being driven out by government forces. In response, the military deployed reinforcements near Deir Hafer and other towns, and told the SDF to evacuate the area between the town and the Euphrates river, approximately 30km east of Aleppo.

According to official statements, the Syrian army has taken control of “34 villages and towns” in the region since Saturday morning. The military claims that the SDF violated an agreement and targeted an army patrol near Maskana, killing two soldiers. However, the SDF disputes this account, stating that government forces entered the towns before its fighters had fully withdrawn.

The SDF has secured the exit of over 200 fighters and their weapons from the area. Meanwhile, civilians are returning to Deir Hafer, with many traveling in pick-up trucks to reach the town. The Syrian military is attempting to establish control and carry out checks on those returning.

The conflict between the SDF and government forces is part of a broader power struggle over disarmament and integration into the state. The Syrian government has been seeking to extend its authority across the country since the removal of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

The SDF controls significant territory in Syria’s oil-rich north and northeast, which it captured during the country’s civil war and fight against the ISIL group. Progress on implementing a March deal to integrate the Kurdish de facto autonomous administration and forces into the state has stalled due to differences between the two sides.

In related news, President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree declaring Kurdish a “national language” and granting official recognition to the minority group. However, the Kurds have stated that this does not meet their aspirations for decentralised rule.

Source: Al Jazeera