Syrian Army Gains Ground in Eastern Aleppo Amid Kurdish Withdrawal
The Syrian army has achieved significant territorial control in eastern Aleppo governorate, as reports indicate that it has seized 34 villages and towns following the withdrawal of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from the area. This strategic movement is part of a broader power struggle in the region, particularly around the disarmament and integration of Kurdish forces into the Syrian state.
According to Syrian state media, the military's operations began on Saturday morning, witnessing the capture of key locations such as Deir Hafer and Maskana, located approximately 50 kilometers from Aleppo city. This advance comes after the SDF announced its decision to redeploy towards the Euphrates River, in line with discussions involving US officials and recent agreements with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Kurdish leadership, represented by Mazloum Abdi, stated their commitment to withdrawing from the contested regions. Abdi emphasized the necessity for this withdrawal in response to calls from âfriendly countries and mediators.â In a show of military strength, Syrian troops were seen entering Deir Hafer and fortifying their presence with heavy armament, including tanks.
Despite these changes on the ground, tensions remain high. The Syrian military accused the SDF of violating the terms of the withdrawal agreement by initiating clashes during the army's advance, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two Syrian soldiers. Conversely, the SDF alleged that Syrian forces breached the agreement by moving into villages before the complete exit of their fighters, creating a volatile environment.
Civilians have been evacuated from the Deir Hafer area, with over 4,000 people fleeing due to the impending military operations. Reports from local journalists indicate that some families are now attempting to return, navigating barriers set up by the SDF amid inclement weather conditions.
The background to this conflict involves deep-rooted ethnic and political issues in Syria, where millions of Kurds face continual struggles for rights and recognition. The Kurdish population is primarily concentrated in northeastern Syria and has been a key player in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) group. The SDF, which has acted as a crucial ally of the United States during the Syrian Civil War, has managed to maintain control over significant portions of the oil-rich regions in the north and northeast.
In a bid for reconciliation, President al-Sharaa recently declared Kurdish a ânational languageâ and recognized the Kurdish New Year as an official holiday, marking the first formal acknowledgment of Kurdish rights since Syria's independence in 1946. While the decree has been hailed as a step in the right direction, Kurdish officials argue it does not meet their aspirations for comprehensive rights and demand a constitutional framework to secure their place in Syrian society.
The deployment of Syrian forces into these contested areas represents a critical phase in President al-Sharaaâs efforts to unify the country post-Assad, especially in light of the leadership vacuum that followed the removal of long-standing president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The integration of Kurdish military and political structures into state's institutions remains paramount but faces numerous challenges, as evident from the stalled progress on an agreement reached in March 2025.
As both sides navigate this complex landscape, further talks are anticipated, particularly between Abdi and US Special Envoy Tom Barrack, who are expected to convene soon in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. The outcome of these negotiations may shape the regionâs future amid ongoing conflicts and shifting alliances.
In this fraught environment, the priority for both the government and Kurdish forces is to avoid further clashes while addressing the humanitarian needs of those affected by the ongoing violence. Observers remain watchful of how the integration process unfolds and the stability it ultimately fosters in a deeply divided Syria.
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