The United States has urged the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to withdraw their remaining fighters from eastern Aleppo, a request that the Kurdish-led group has firmly rejected. Regional sources informed Middle East Eye that clashes have intensified between the two sides near Dayr Hafir, where the SDF maintains its last foothold on the western bank of the Euphrates River. These hostilities represent a significant escalation following months of relative calm in the region.
The situation escalated earlier this month when Syrian government forces initiated operations aimed at expelling SDF-affiliated internal security units from Aleppo’s al-Ashrafiyah and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods. The government accused these units of civilian casualties due to sniper and mortar fire. Following this, local mediators facilitated a deal that allowed dozens of Kurdish fighters to evacuate, prompting some residents to return to their homes.
According to multiple regional sources, the Syrian government’s operation in Aleppo was conducted with the approval of Washington. One source noted, “US authorities also asked the SDF to withdraw its forces from the western bank of the Euphrates.” Tom Barrack, the US envoy for Syria, emphasized in a recent online post that his government is maintaining close communication with all parties involved to prevent further escalation.
Rising Tensions Between Damascus and SDF
The Aleppo operation has exacerbated already strained relations between the Syrian government and the SDF, which have been attempting to finalize an implementation plan for the March 10 Agreement. This agreement entails the integration of Kurdish-led forces into the Syrian military. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa criticized SDF leaders this week, alleging they have not upheld the agreement and claiming their decision-making is influenced by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), based in Iraq’s Qandil Mountains.
In response, Ilham Ahmed, the SDF’s de-facto official handling foreign affairs, stated that the government’s assertion regarding the non-implementation of the March 10 Agreement is inaccurate. During an online press conference, Ahmed revealed that the SDF has maintained contact with both the US and Turkey, proposing various initiatives for de-escalation while awaiting their responses. She indicated that the recent events in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah stemmed from international understandings.
As tensions mount, the SDF formally rejected a US proposal to withdraw from Dayr Hafir on Friday. Meanwhile, Syrian forces have opened several evacuation routes to facilitate civilian departures from the area, though reports indicate that the SDF has obstructed these exits.
A US military delegation recently visited Dayr Hafir, intending to engage with local residents and press the SDF to allow civilians to leave. In a statement broadcast by state television, the Syrian military declared that “the doors remain open” for Syrian fighters, both Kurdish and Arab, wishing to defect from the SDF and rejoin the Syrian army. The statement underscored the government’s position, asserting, “the problem remains with the PKK terrorist militias and remnants of the defunct regime who seek to target the people and destroy Syria’s social fabric.”
On Friday, the Ministry of Defence’s media department reported that several SDF fighters have surrendered and defected on the Dayr Hafir front. A Syrian government source familiar with the situation indicated that the army is preparing for a broader operation aimed at clearing SDF positions from the area. Middle East Eye has reached out to both the SDF and US authorities for further comments on the evolving situation.
