Tensions between Kurdish forces and the Syrian government are escalating, with recent armed clashes highlighting the fragile state of a March agreement to integrate Kurdish troops into the Syrian national army.
According to a statement from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Kurdish fighters exchanged fire with government troops in Aleppo province after attacks were launched on four of their positions in Deir Hafir. The SDF blamed the government for the incident, saying their forces are “more ready than ever” to respond with “full force and determination.”
This marks the second such confrontation in less than 48 hours. Over the weekend, both sides traded accusations regarding another violent exchange in the nearby city of Manbij. The Syrian Ministry of Defense claimed the SDF had attacked a military outpost with rockets, while the SDF responded that they had been retaliating against an unprovoked artillery strike targeting civilians.
FILE PHOTO: A drone view of the city of Sweida, following renewed fighting between Bedouin fighters and Druze gunmen, despite an announced truce, in Syria July 18, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
The clashes come despite a March agreement intended to unify Syria’s fractured military forces. The deal, signed under pressure from both the United States and Turkey, aimed to bring the Kurdish-led SDF under the command of the central government in Damascus, following the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad in December. The agreement also included provisions for incorporating regional Kurdish governing bodies into the state structure.
However, implementation of the deal has stalled, and both Turkey and the current Syrian government under President al-Saraa have issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Kurdish forces to fully integrate into the national military.
Meanwhile, violence has also flared in the southern region of Sweida, where clashes broke out between armed groups and government forces. Additionally, Israel reported conducting military operations in southern Syria, citing efforts to combat arms trafficking.
