Syria’s army threatened renewed strikes on Aleppo’s Kurdish district after fighters refused to leave under a fragile ceasefire. At least 21 people have died, and tens of thousands fled, marking the worst clashes since the new authorities took power. The fighting exposes ongoing challenges in merging Kurdish-controlled areas into Syria’s central government.
The conflict erupted after disagreements over implementing a March integration deal, which would merge Kurdish forces and administration into Syria’s government. Syrian authorities urged residents to evacuate Sheikh Maqsud, publishing maps of military targets. Kurdish fighters rejected any surrender, vowing to defend their districts despite a truce announcement earlier on Friday.
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Residents fled under a short two-hour humanitarian corridor before it closed, while Kurdish officials reported heavy shelling. State media accused Kurdish forces of drone attacks on residential areas. Syria’s army operation received backing from Russian air support, and Turkey expressed support for the government’s offensive, citing regional security concerns.
Kurdish officials accused Syria of “choosing the path of war” and undermining agreements. They called on the United States to apply pressure for a political resolution. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with US envoy Tom Barrack reportedly headed to Damascus to mediate between the parties.
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The clashes highlight tensions over Kurdish autonomy and Syria’s stability after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Integration disagreements, decentralization demands, and regional involvement make lasting peace uncertain. Analysts warn that unresolved disputes could prolong violence in Syria’s oil-rich north and northeast.