Syrian Army Enters Eastern Aleppo Towns Amid Reported Clashes With SDF

Syrian government forces have moved into several towns in eastern Aleppo province, as clashes were reported with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), marking a new escalation in an already complex security landscape.

According to local and regional reports, units of the Syrian Arab Army advanced into areas previously controlled or influenced by the SDF, following heightened tensions and intermittent fighting. The movements were reportedly accompanied by exchanges of fire, though details on casualties remain unclear.

The developments come amid shifting power dynamics in northern Syria, where multiple actors—including government forces, Kurdish-led units, and foreign militaries—maintain overlapping zones of control. Residents in the affected towns reported disruptions to daily life, with some civilians fleeing temporarily due to fears of renewed fighting.

The SDF, which is backed by the United States and has played a major role in the fight against the Islamic State, has not issued a detailed public statement on the clashes. However, sources close to the group said the confrontations followed disputes over checkpoints and territorial control.

Syrian state media described the army’s deployment as part of efforts to restore state authority and ensure security, while accusing armed groups of provoking instability. The government has long sought to reassert control over parts of Aleppo province that remain outside its direct administration.

The situation is further complicated by the presence of Turkey, which has military forces and allied factions operating in northern Syria and views the SDF as linked to Kurdish groups it considers a security threat. Analysts say any clashes involving the SDF and Syrian government forces risk drawing in external actors or triggering wider instability.

As of now, there has been no confirmation of a broader offensive, but observers warn that the developments could signal a recalibration of control in eastern Aleppo, potentially affecting negotiations, local governance, and civilian security in the region.

Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera, BBC News, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights