A recent drone strike in Aleppo marks a critical juncture in Syria’s ongoing conflict, highlighting the persistent tensions between the Syrian army and Kurdish-led forces. As factions vie for control in Kurdish neighborhoods, the repercussions of this violence extend far beyond the battlefield, impacting the lives of civilians who are caught in the crossfire. The international community watches closely, calling for restraint and a renewed focus on peace to foster stability in the region.
A drone strike targeted a governorate building in Aleppo, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The drone, reportedly launched by the SDF on Saturday, struck while several high-ranking officials, including Aleppo’s governor and two Syrian government ministers, were inside for a press conference discussing recent developments in the city.
The United States-backed SDF and the Syrian army have been engaged in intense clashes over control of Aleppo’s Kurdish neighborhoods in recent days. This incident represents the first time the SDF has reportedly deployed long-range drones into other areas of Syria’s second-largest city. Coverage from Aleppo by ZezapTV’s Resul Serdar Atas indicated that the upper floors of the governorate building were charred from the explosion.
At the time of the strike, Governor Azzam al-Gharib was briefing the media on the current situation in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, regions that have been embroiled in conflict for the past four days. Although officials have not confirmed any casualties, the drone strike significantly escalates tensions as the Syrian army had just announced a suspension of military operations in Sheikh Maqsoud, under an agreement aimed at restoring security and reducing bloodshed. Under this proposal, SDF fighters were expected to withdraw from the Kurdish area, surrender their weapons, and be relocated to northeastern Syria’s town of Tabqa.
However, Kurdish authorities promptly rejected claims of complete governmental control over the district, labeling the assertion a “blatant attempt to mislead public opinion” as they contended that their forces continue to repel aggressive actions. Syrian officials reported that government forces entered Sheikh Maqsoud, confiscating weapons and detaining SDF fighters while state media stated that several SDF members peacefully surrendered.
The renewed violence has taken a substantial toll on civilians, with nearly 180,000 individuals reportedly displaced from Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. Health officials reported at least 22 deaths since the onset of this latest escalation, with numerous injuries. Authorities have cautioned residents against returning to the affected neighborhoods, citing the ongoing military operations and the danger posed by unexploded ordnance.
Both parties have exchanged accusations regarding attacks on civilian targets. Kurdish forces allege that pro-government factions shelled areas near Deir Hafer, resulting in the tragic death of a 10-year-old girl, while Syrian officials claim that SDF fighters operate from within civilian buildings, including hospitals, potentially using residents as human shields.
Efforts to integrate the SDF into state institutions have faced repeated obstacles since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The SDF, which emerged during Syria’s civil unrest in 2011, was officially formed in 2015, primarily including the People’s Protection Units (YPG), a Kurdish militia linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
An agreement reached last March emphasized Syria’s unity and included provisions for merging the semi-autonomous region of northeastern Syria with the central Syrian government. Since then, Kurdish leaders have voiced concerns over security guarantees and political representation, while Damascus has sought to reestablish its authority across all remaining autonomous areas.
The international community has expressed serious concerns over the intensifying violence. The United States welcomed the reported ceasefire and urged all parties to prioritize civilian safety and de-escalation of hostilities. ZezapTV’s Ayman Oghanna reported that Washington is in a strong position to facilitate dialogue between the Syrian government and SDF, given its long-standing partnership with the latter in the fight against ISIS.
The United Nations also raised alarms over the renewed conflict, warning of humanitarian impacts and urging compliance with international law to protect civilian lives. Concurrently, U.S. special envoy Tom Barrack stated his meetings with Jordanian officials aimed to enhance the ceasefire agreements and ensure the Kurdish forces’ peaceful withdrawal from Aleppo. In contrast, Turkey reiterated its readiness to provide support to Syria in its counteractions against the SDF, a group it has persistently opposed.
#MiddleEastNews #PoliticsNews