Syrian military forces took control of two neighborhoods in Aleppo on Sunday, areas previously held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (S.D.F.), following days of clashes. The S.D.F. withdrew from the Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods shortly after midnight, according to Syrian state media, which reported that the fighters were transported by bus to another city in northern Syria and their weapons would be confiscated.
The S.D.F. characterized their retreat as a partial cease-fire intended to prevent further casualties and ensure the safe evacuation of civilians and the wounded. This withdrawal represents a gain for government forces and has brought a period of calm to Aleppo, one of Syria's largest cities, after a period of intense violence.
The recent fighting marked the most significant outbreak of violence in Aleppo since the end of the civil war in December 2024, when Islamist-led rebel groups removed President Bashar al-Assad from power. The clashes also signify a deterioration in relations between the Syrian government and the S.D.F. after months of negotiations aimed at integrating S.D.F. forces into the national military. These negotiations, designed to unify the country and bridge divides among various ethnic and religious groups, have now been significantly set back.
The Syrian conflict, which began in 2011, has involved numerous factions, including government forces, Kurdish groups, rebel organizations, and international actors. The S.D.F., backed by the United States, played a crucial role in combating ISIS in northern Syria. However, the group's relationship with the Syrian government has remained complex, with both cooperation and conflict occurring at different times.
The current situation raises concerns about the future of Kurdish autonomy in Syria and the potential for further conflict. The integration of the S.D.F. into the national military was seen as a key step toward stabilizing the country and preventing renewed conflict. With this latest setback, the prospects for a lasting peace in Syria appear more uncertain. Further negotiations are expected, but the recent violence has created a climate of distrust that will be difficult to overcome. The Syrian government has not yet issued a statement regarding future plans for the newly acquired territories.
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