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.

Turkey supplied armored vehicles to the Syrian army: Otokar Cobra and Cadillac Gage Commando spotted in Aleppo

At the recent graduation ceremony of the 76th Division of the Syrian Army in Aleppo, new Turkish-made armored vehicles were presented — wheeled armored vehicles Otokar Cobra and Cadillac Gage Commando. This event aroused great interest among military analysts, since previously such vehicles were used mainly as part of the Turkish army or were transferred to groups supported by Ankara on Syrian territory.

The Otokar Cobra armored vehicle, developed by the Turkish company Otokar, is a multifunctional vehicle designed to transport personnel and ensure their safety in high-risk conditions. The machine has a high degree of protection against mines and improvised explosive devices, which makes it effective in urban and mining operations. Her appearance in the ranks of the Syrian government army may indicate the beginning of a new stage of cooperation between Turkey and Damascus, despite the historically tense relations between the countries.

In addition, amphibious vehicles **Cadillac Gage Commando** with a 4x4 wheel formula were seen. These vehicles are usually used for internal security, riot control, and patrol tasks. Their use in Syria may be related to the need to strengthen measures to stabilize the situation in regions where there is a risk of renewed local conflicts.

It is worth noting that Turkey has repeatedly sent military equipment to various anti-government groups in Syria, especially in the Idleb province area of responsibility, where well-armed formations supported by Ankara were located. However, the fact that modern armored vehicles are being supplied directly to the regular Syrian army may indicate a restructuring of Turkey's foreign policy aimed at normalizing relations with the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

Some experts suggest that this may be part of a broader strategy to strengthen regional stability and reduce tensions in northern Syria. It is also possible that Turkey is seeking to participate in the process of rebuilding the country after years of war, using military-technical cooperation as an instrument of influence.