Fierce clashes between Syrian and Kurdish forces in Aleppo

(Patria) - Heavy clashes between Kurdish forces (SDF) and Syrian government forces broke out in Aleppo last night, Al Arabiya reported late on Monday.

Citing the Syrian Ministry of Defence, Al Arabiya reported that the government is moving within the framework of its plan to redeploy forces.

„We are committed to our agreement with (the Syrian Democratic Forces) and have no intention of conducting any military operations,“ the ministry said.
The SDF claimed that the clashes were a direct result of „provocations by factions of the interim government and their attempts to advance with tanks.“

The SDF, backed by the United States, played a key role in Washington's fight against ISIS in Syria and Iraq. In March, the United States helped broker an understanding between the Kurdish group and the new Syrian government, which had previously been on opposing sides. The March agreement stipulated that Kurdish civil and military structures would be integrated into the central government by the end of 2025.

Earlier on Monday, a senior US diplomat for Syria and a senior US military commander for the Middle East travelled to northeastern Syria to meet with the SDF leader.

SDF leader Mazloum Abdi issued a statement after the meeting, saying the Kurds remain „steadfast in our goal of a united Syria for all Syrians.“
Concerns about the fragmentation of Syria have intensified after months of sporadic clashes between minority groups and forces linked to or loyal to the government.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa reiterated that all groups will be welcome under central authority and that „all weapons must be under state control.“