Tense Calm in Aleppo After Overnight Clashes Between Syrian Forces and Kurdish Fighters

Aleppo, Syria – October 7, 2025: A tense calm settled over Aleppo on Tuesday following overnight clashes between Syrian government forces and Kurdish fighters in the predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Achrafieh. The violence comes amid growing friction between Damascus and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which controls much of northeastern Syria.

Syrian state media SANA reported that SDF fighters allegedly targeted checkpoints of the Internal Security Forces on Monday evening, killing one government soldier and injuring four. Mortar shells and heavy machine gun fire reportedly struck residential areas, though casualty figures among civilians remain unclear.

The SDF denied involvement, stating that its units had withdrawn from Aleppo months ago. Syrian state TV announced that a ceasefire had been reached early Tuesday morning, though details were sparse.

The clashes underscore stalled efforts to integrate SDF forces into Syria’s new national army, a key element of a March agreement signed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former Islamist insurgent leader who helped overthrow Bashar al-Assad, and Kurdish authorities. While Damascus seeks full control over Syria, the SDF continues to assert the de facto autonomy of northeastern regions.

The SDF accused government forces of repeatedly targeting civilians and imposing a siege on the two Aleppo neighborhoods. “Government units attempted to advance with tanks and armored vehicles, targeting residential areas with mortars and drone strikes, leading to civilian casualties and property damage,” the SDF said. They added that residents were forced to defend themselves alongside local internal security forces.

Earlier in April, dozens of SDF fighters had left these neighborhoods under the March deal, but tensions have persisted. Parliamentary elections held Sunday across Syria did not include SDF-controlled areas, further highlighting the ongoing political divide.

The incident in Aleppo reflects the fragile security situation across Syria, as local residents remain caught between government forces and autonomous Kurdish militias while diplomatic efforts for broader reconciliation stall.