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Syria’s military announced Wednesday it would establish a humanitarian corridor for civilians to evacuate parts of Aleppo province, amid escalating tensions between government forces and Kurdish-led fighters in the region.
The corridor, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, will allow civilians to leave the towns of Deir Hafer and Maskana, located about 60 kilometers east of Aleppo city. The announcement signals potential military operations in the area, as Syrian forces have already deployed reinforcements following accusations of military buildups on both sides.
In its statement, the Syrian army called on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and other armed groups to withdraw east of the Euphrates River. This demand follows days of limited exchanges of fire between the two sides, with the SDF also reporting Turkish drone strikes in the area.
The tensions in eastern Aleppo province come on the heels of intense fighting in Aleppo city last week that resulted in at least 23 deaths, dozens of injuries, and the displacement of tens of thousands of residents. That conflict ended with government forces taking control of three previously contested neighborhoods after Kurdish fighters evacuated.
Damascus has accused the SDF of launching drone strikes within Aleppo city, including an attack on the governorate building that occurred shortly after two Cabinet ministers and a local official held a news conference there.
The deteriorating situation reflects stalled negotiations between the Syrian government and the SDF, which controls large portions of northeastern Syria. The talks aimed to integrate their forces and return control of key institutions, including border crossings and oil fields, to the central government.
The SDF has served as the primary U.S. partner in Syria in the fight against the Islamic State group. However, Turkey considers the SDF a terrorist organization due to its ties with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has waged a long-running insurgency in Turkey, though peace efforts are now underway.
Some factions in the newly formed Syrian army, established after former President Bashar Assad’s fall to rebels in December 2024, were previously backed by Turkey and have a history of conflict with Kurdish forces, further complicating the situation.
Despite longstanding U.S. support for the SDF, the Trump administration has also developed close ties with the government of interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and has encouraged the Kurds to implement the integration agreement. Washington has so far avoided publicly taking sides in the Aleppo conflicts.
The SDF warned of “dangerous repercussions on civilians, infrastructure, and vital facilities” if the situation continues to escalate, placing “full responsibility” on Damascus for any humanitarian or security consequences.
U.S. Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper issued a statement Tuesday urging “all parties to exercise maximum restraint” and “prioritize the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure.” He called for a return to negotiations “in good faith.”
In a televised interview aired Wednesday on Syrian state TV, interim President al-Sharaa praised the “courage of the Kurds” and promised to guarantee their rights, but strongly criticized the SDF leadership. He accused the group of violating a previous agreement to withdraw from neighborhoods in Aleppo city and of forcibly preventing civilians from evacuating during recent clashes.
Al-Sharaa claimed the SDF rejected mediation attempts by France and the United States to broker a ceasefire and facilitate the withdrawal of Kurdish forces, allegedly due to orders from the PKK.
The interview was originally scheduled to air Tuesday on Shams TV, a broadcaster based in northern Iraq’s Kurdish region, but was canceled. The station’s manager later revealed the interview was pulled over concerns it would further inflame tensions due to al-Sharaa’s harsh stance toward the SDF. There has been no immediate response from the SDF to al-Sharaa’s comments.
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8 Comments
This is a troubling development in the ongoing conflict in Syria. The military’s call for civilians to evacuate the contested Aleppo area suggests the potential for renewed fighting between government and Kurdish-led forces. I hope all sides can exercise restraint and prioritize de-escalation.
This is a concerning development in the ongoing conflict in Syria. The military’s call for civilians to evacuate the contested Aleppo area suggests potential for further clashes between government and Kurdish-led forces. Maintaining civilian safety should be the priority.
The situation in Aleppo province is highly complex, with competing claims over territory and control. The military’s demand for Kurdish-led groups to withdraw raises the stakes and increases the risk of further clashes. Protecting civilian lives should be the utmost priority.
The recent fighting in Aleppo city that resulted in many casualties and displaced thousands is deeply troubling. All sides should exercise restraint and prioritize protecting civilian lives. Ongoing instability in the region continues to be a major concern.
This conflict in Aleppo province is another troubling chapter in the long-running Syrian civil war. The displacement of civilians is particularly concerning, as they bear the brunt of these power struggles. I hope all sides can find a peaceful resolution.
The military’s demand for Kurdish-led groups to withdraw east of the Euphrates River suggests an attempt to reassert government control over the region. However, this could provoke further confrontation and put more civilians at risk. A diplomatic solution is needed.
The demand for Kurdish-led groups to withdraw east of the Euphrates River raises tensions further. This dispute over territorial control could lead to more violence and displacement, which is tragic for the local population. I hope a peaceful resolution can be reached.
The ongoing conflict in Aleppo province is deeply concerning, with the potential for further clashes between government and Kurdish-led forces. The military’s demand for withdrawal and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor suggest a tense and volatile situation. Protecting civilian lives should be the top priority for all parties involved.