Fighting breaks out in Aleppo: Kurds from the SDF accuse pro-government forces of the attack

 

Tensions in northern Syria have escalated sharply: armed clashes broke out in Aleppo province on Monday morning between the Kurdish Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syrian government forces. According to the SDF, four of their positions were attacked by groups that allegedly operate under cover or in the interests of Damascus.

The incident occurred in the context of a fragile and unstable balance of power in the region. The SDF, mainly composed of Kurdish units, controls a significant part of northeastern Syria, including areas of Aleppo, despite constant pressure from Turkey, pro-Iranian forces and the Syrian government itself. This time, the attacks, according to representatives of the SDF, were aimed at positions in the suburbs and rural areas of the province, where the Kurds are trying to maintain control, despite the efforts of Damascus to expand its influence.

The SDF officially stated that they responded to the shelling and joined the battle to repel the attack. There have been no reports of large-scale casualties so far, but shots and explosions can be heard in the region. Local sources report on the movement of military equipment and the evacuation of civilians from areas bordering the combat zone.

What is particularly worrying is that such clashes between the SDF and the Syrian government forces are occurring more frequently. At the same time, Damascus does not formally declare war on the SDF, but supports various pro-Kurdish and pro-government militias that periodically provoke conflicts. This is part of a broader strategy to weaken the position of the Kurds, who, although they do not seek independence, actually govern their territories autonomously, which does not suit the centralized government in Damascus.

In addition, the situation is complicated by the intervention of external players. The SDF works closely with the United States and the international coalition against ISIS, making them a target for Iran and its allies in Syria.

Against the background of these battles, observers note that Syria is increasingly turning into a field between local forces, where real battles are fought not directly by armies, but by their groups. This allows the official parties to maintain a semblance of stability, while on the ground there is a constant struggle for resources, roads and strategic heights.

So far, neither the Syrian government nor its allies have commented on the attack. However, earlier, Damascus has repeatedly stated that "the entire territory of Syria should be under the control of the state," which, in fact, means refusing to recognize any autonomy, including the Kurdish one.