Syrian army forces took control of dozens of towns in the east of the Aleppo governorate after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew from the areas, according to a statement released by the Syrian army on state television. The army reported taking control of 34 villages and towns east of Aleppo.
The withdrawal followed deadly clashes in Aleppo city last week, after which the Syrian army deployed reinforcements near Deir Hafer and other towns. The army instructed the SDF to evacuate the area between Deir Hafer and the Euphrates River, a distance of approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) to the east. This order came amid a power struggle concerning the disarmament of the Kurdish-led group.
The Syrian army also announced full control of Deir Hafer following the SDF withdrawal. State media broadcast images of Syrian soldiers entering Deir Hafer, with some residents welcoming the government forces.
The SDF has not yet issued a public statement regarding the withdrawal or the Syrian army's claims. The SDF, backed by the United States, has been a key player in the fight against ISIS in Syria. The group controls significant territory in northeastern Syria, and its relationship with the Syrian government has been complex and often fraught with tension.
The Syrian government views the SDF as an illegal armed group and has repeatedly called for its disarmament and integration into the Syrian army. The SDF, however, seeks autonomy within a decentralized Syria.
The recent developments raise concerns about potential further clashes between the Syrian army and the SDF, as well as the future of Kurdish autonomy in the region. The Syrian army has told civilians to evacuate the new front with the SDF east of Aleppo, indicating a potential escalation of the conflict. The situation remains fluid, and the long-term implications for the region are uncertain.
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