The Syrian army is moving into areas east of Aleppo city, after Kurdish forces started a withdrawal. Syrian troops have been spotted entering Deir Hafer, a town about 50km (30 miles) from Aleppo. On Friday, the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia announced it would redeploy east of the Euphrates river following discussions with US officials, and a declaration by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to recognize Kurdish as a national language. After deadly clashes last week, the US urged both sides to avoid confrontation, as President al-Sharaa aims to integrate Kurdish military and civilian structures into Syrian national institutions.
In a statement to the state-run news agency Sana, the Syrian army announced it had begun operations in the western Euphrates area, asserting complete military control over Deir Hafer. The military has advised civilians to avoid the region until it is secured. Images show Syrian forces advancing towards the area armed with tanks. This shift follows an agreement with Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi to pull back the US-backed SDF in response to calls from international mediators.
Civilians have begun to flee towards safety, with reports indicating that at least 4,000 people have already left the area. President al-Sharaa's recent announcements, including making Kurdish a national language and recognizing the Kurdish new year as an official holiday, signify a notable change in the Syrian government’s approach to Kurdish rights.
However, tensions remain, as accusations of violations of the agreement have ensued from both the Syrian army and the SDF. Despite this complex situation, the move signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict and the relationship between the Syrian government and Kurdish populations.
In a statement to the state-run news agency Sana, the Syrian army announced it had begun operations in the western Euphrates area, asserting complete military control over Deir Hafer. The military has advised civilians to avoid the region until it is secured. Images show Syrian forces advancing towards the area armed with tanks. This shift follows an agreement with Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi to pull back the US-backed SDF in response to calls from international mediators.
Civilians have begun to flee towards safety, with reports indicating that at least 4,000 people have already left the area. President al-Sharaa's recent announcements, including making Kurdish a national language and recognizing the Kurdish new year as an official holiday, signify a notable change in the Syrian government’s approach to Kurdish rights.
However, tensions remain, as accusations of violations of the agreement have ensued from both the Syrian army and the SDF. Despite this complex situation, the move signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict and the relationship between the Syrian government and Kurdish populations.
