Clashes have erupted between Kurdish fighters, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and Syrian government forces in Aleppo, resulting in at least 7 deaths and dozens of injuries. The violence began on Monday night, with exchanges of gunfire reported in various neighborhoods.
According to the North Press Agency, some residents in Aleppo neighborhoods took to the streets to protest against the government. The Syrian Defense Ministry, cited by Al Arabiya, stated that the government’s actions were part of a redeployment plan and reiterated its commitment to an agreement with the SDF, expressing no intention to carry out military operations.
The SDF, however, claimed that the clashes were a result of provocations by factions of the interim government, which attempted to advance with tanks. This incident occurs amidst ongoing tensions and agreements between the Syrian government and Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo. In April, an agreement was signed placing Kurdish neighborhoods under Damascus’s authority while preserving autonomy for Kurdish institutions. Another agreement stipulated the integration of Kurdish civil and military structures into the central government by the end of 2025.
The situation in Syria remains volatile, with concerns over escalation and fragmentation heightened after months of clashes between minority groups and government forces. Following the ouster of President Bashar Assad, Islamist factions have reportedly targeted minority communities, including Alawites, Christians, Kurds, and Druze. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has emphasized that all groups will be welcomed under central authority and that all weapons must be under the state’s control.
The recent clashes in Aleppo underscore the complexities and challenges faced by Syria as it navigates its path towards stability and reconciliation. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be closely monitoring developments, with a focus on the protection of minority rights and the prevention of further violence. With the agreements in place aiming for integration and autonomy, the next steps will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Syria’s future.
