Syrian Army seizes key towns in eastern Aleppo as SDF withdrawal continues amid tensions

The Syrian army announced that it has taken full control of Deir Hafer, Maskana, and dozens of surrounding towns and villages in the eastern Aleppo governorate following the withdrawal of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) under an internationally brokered agreement.

Military officials said the territory west of the Euphrates River has now been declared a closed military zone, as tensions continue to flare despite the deal.

Both the Syrian army and the SDF have accused one another of violating the agreement, with each side reporting fatalities during renewed clashes in the area.

The developments mark a major shift in control across eastern Aleppo, a region that has long been contested amid Syria’s complex web of alliances and rivalries.

The Syrian army’s advance comes after the SDF began pulling back from key positions under a deal that was brokered by international mediators.

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The withdrawal has allowed Syrian government forces to move into areas previously controlled by the SDF, consolidating Damascus’s hold over much of the territory west of the Euphrates.

Military officials stated that the army’s operations were carried out as planned, with no significant resistance reported in the newly captured towns. However, both sides have claimed that the other violated the terms of the agreement.

Despite the withdrawal, tensions have remained high in the region, and both sides have reported clashes in recent days.

In a security operation in Deir Hafer, Syria’s Interior Ministry said internal security forces uncovered and seized a weapons cache allegedly belonging to the SDF.

The ministry stated the weapons were discovered during routine searches aimed at stabilizing the area after the withdrawal.

The discovery has added to concerns that tensions could escalate again, especially as both sides remain suspicious of one another’s intentions.

In a parallel political development, President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree formally recognizing Kurdish as a national language and restoring citizenship to all Kurdish Syrians.

The decree is widely seen as part of broader efforts to ease long-standing tensions between the government and Kurdish communities in Syria. Kurdish groups have long complained of discrimination and denied rights, including citizenship for some members.