Conflict Escalates Between Syrian Troops and Kurdish Forces Over Withdrawal Deal
A violent clash has erupted between Syrian troops and Kurdish forces in northern Syria, as both sides traded blame for breaking a withdrawal deal. The fighting is the latest in a series of escalating tensions between the two groups, which have been locked in a struggle for control over key regions of the country.
According to reports, Syrian troops had amassed around towns in the north and east, where Kurdish forces were due to withdraw as part of an agreement reached last year. However, when the withdrawal deadline passed with no signs of progress, clashes broke out between the two groups, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had withdrawn east towards the flashpoint town of Tabqa, but announced that they would fight to keep the town and surrounding oil fields after Syria's army said it was aiming to capture them. The SDF accused the Syrian government of pushing into areas not included in the original deal.
US-led coalition planes flew over the conflict zone, releasing warning flares as tensions escalated further. France and Iraq also urged a ceasefire between the two groups.
The conflict is part of a broader struggle for control of northern Syria, where Kurdish forces have established their own administration. The Syrian government has vowed to reunify the country after 14 years of war, but has struggled to make progress in talks with Kurdish authorities.
Tensions between the two groups have deepened over sectarian differences, with bouts of violence last year killing hundreds of Alawites and Druze. Arab tribal leaders in SDF-held territory have warned that they are ready to take up arms against the Kurdish force if Syria's army issues orders to do so.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement. The international community is watching the situation closely, as it has implications for the fragile peace process in Syria.
A violent clash has erupted between Syrian troops and Kurdish forces in northern Syria, as both sides traded blame for breaking a withdrawal deal. The fighting is the latest in a series of escalating tensions between the two groups, which have been locked in a struggle for control over key regions of the country.
According to reports, Syrian troops had amassed around towns in the north and east, where Kurdish forces were due to withdraw as part of an agreement reached last year. However, when the withdrawal deadline passed with no signs of progress, clashes broke out between the two groups, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had withdrawn east towards the flashpoint town of Tabqa, but announced that they would fight to keep the town and surrounding oil fields after Syria's army said it was aiming to capture them. The SDF accused the Syrian government of pushing into areas not included in the original deal.
US-led coalition planes flew over the conflict zone, releasing warning flares as tensions escalated further. France and Iraq also urged a ceasefire between the two groups.
The conflict is part of a broader struggle for control of northern Syria, where Kurdish forces have established their own administration. The Syrian government has vowed to reunify the country after 14 years of war, but has struggled to make progress in talks with Kurdish authorities.
Tensions between the two groups have deepened over sectarian differences, with bouts of violence last year killing hundreds of Alawites and Druze. Arab tribal leaders in SDF-held territory have warned that they are ready to take up arms against the Kurdish force if Syria's army issues orders to do so.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement. The international community is watching the situation closely, as it has implications for the fragile peace process in Syria.