VIDEO: Clashes erupt in Aleppo between Syrian army and SDF, dozens displaced

Intense fighting broke out Monday between the Syrian army and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on the outskirts of Aleppo’s Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods, resulting in civilian casualties and the displacement of dozens of families.

According to Syrian state television, the SDF shelled the neighborhoods with mortars and heavy machine guns, killing one internal security officer and injuring three others. A civilian was also killed when a shell struck the Saif al-Dawla neighborhood. Syrian media reported that SDF snipers had deployed on rooftops in the area and were targeting security checkpoints.

Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Gharib urged residents to stay indoors and avoid conflict zones. “We are working with relevant parties to calm the situation and stop the clashes,” he said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the March 10 agreement with the SDF while leaving the door open for dialogue.

The Syrian Ministry of Defense said army movements were part of a redeployment plan in northern and northeastern Syria following repeated SDF attacks on civilians, military personnel, and security forces. “The army stands by its responsibility to protect civilians, their property, and the lives of our soldiers and security personnel,” the ministry said, reaffirming its adherence to the March 10 agreement and stating there is no intention to carry out offensive operations in the area.

Meanwhile, the SDF media center blamed the escalation on provocations by opposition government factions and accused Damascus of being fully responsible for the “dangerous escalation threatening regional stability.”

The clashes came after a visit by US envoy to Syria Tom Brake, accompanied by US Central Command chief Brad Cooper, to northeastern Syria, where they met with SDF commander Mazloum Abdi. Brake described the talks as making “tangible progress toward President Trump’s vision of enabling Syrians to unite in a renewed effort for peace and shared prosperity.”

Abdi said discussions focused on advancing the political path toward national integration, maintaining Syria’s territorial unity, creating a safe environment for all communities, and continuing efforts to combat Daesh in the region.