"Syrian Army Cements Control Over Aleppo East as Kurdish Fighters Withdraw"
The Syrian government has solidified its grip on eastern Aleppo, securing control over dozens of towns after Kurdish forces withdrew from the area. The Syrian army claimed to have taken "34 villages and towns" east of Aleppo since Saturday morning, including key areas like Deir Hafer and Maskana.
However, tensions persist between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who accuse the Syrian government of violating the agreement that led to their withdrawal. The SDF reported clashes with army patrols near Maskana and alleged that the army had entered the town before their fighters fully left, creating a "highly dangerous situation".
Despite these claims, civilians are slowly returning to Deir Hafer, where Al Jazeera correspondent Zein Basravi witnessed families braving cold and rain to enter the town. The SDF has set up roadblocks and checkpoints as part of their positions, while Syrian forces are clearing the area with bulldozers.
The developments have sparked celebrations in the region, with many locals elated at the return of government control. The move is seen as a major coup for President Bashar al-Assad's government, which seeks to extend its authority across Syria following his removal from office last December.
However, the SDF remains a significant force in northeastern Syria, controlling much of the oil-rich north and northeast. Progress on implementing a March deal to integrate Kurdish forces into the state has stalled, with disagreements over decentralization and other issues remaining unresolved.
In a surprise move, Syrian Defence Minister said it had secured the exit of "more than 200 SDF fighters and their weapons". The SDF has accused Damascus of violating the agreement, but the Syrian government claims that its troops have been deployed in accordance with the deal.
The Syrian government has solidified its grip on eastern Aleppo, securing control over dozens of towns after Kurdish forces withdrew from the area. The Syrian army claimed to have taken "34 villages and towns" east of Aleppo since Saturday morning, including key areas like Deir Hafer and Maskana.
However, tensions persist between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who accuse the Syrian government of violating the agreement that led to their withdrawal. The SDF reported clashes with army patrols near Maskana and alleged that the army had entered the town before their fighters fully left, creating a "highly dangerous situation".
Despite these claims, civilians are slowly returning to Deir Hafer, where Al Jazeera correspondent Zein Basravi witnessed families braving cold and rain to enter the town. The SDF has set up roadblocks and checkpoints as part of their positions, while Syrian forces are clearing the area with bulldozers.
The developments have sparked celebrations in the region, with many locals elated at the return of government control. The move is seen as a major coup for President Bashar al-Assad's government, which seeks to extend its authority across Syria following his removal from office last December.
However, the SDF remains a significant force in northeastern Syria, controlling much of the oil-rich north and northeast. Progress on implementing a March deal to integrate Kurdish forces into the state has stalled, with disagreements over decentralization and other issues remaining unresolved.
In a surprise move, Syrian Defence Minister said it had secured the exit of "more than 200 SDF fighters and their weapons". The SDF has accused Damascus of violating the agreement, but the Syrian government claims that its troops have been deployed in accordance with the deal.
I mean, it's like they're making some serious moves to solidify control over the region 
. The fact that they've taken 34 villages and towns is crazy talk 
! But at the same time, I'm all about seeing civilians return to Deir Hafer 
, even if it's in the midst of some tense interactions between gov forces and SDF fighters 
. The March deal still has so many kinks to work out, but for now, it's all good vibes 
It's hard to be a hero if you can't stand up for what's right - Edmund Hillary 
.
Aleppo east is a huge area, how can one side just claim control over so many towns? 
and what's with these accusations of violating an agreement? 
it feels like everyone's playing by their own rules here. 
the syrian government says they're securing the area for civilians, but are they really doing that or just trying to assert their power 
. And what's with all these roadblocks and checkpoints? It's like they're expecting some kind of invasion or something 
... btw, I'm kinda surprised no one's talking about how many SDF fighters just 'exited' - that's gotta be a red flag for something 