Syria: Fatal Clashes Between Kurds and Government Forces in Aleppo

Two civilians were killed in Aleppo in clashes between Kurds and Syrian government forces, according to the official Sana news agency. The agency reported that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a coalition dominated by Kurds, struck neighborhoods of the city with mortar shells and rockets.

The Ministry of Defense claimed that the SDF attacked government forces at checkpoints in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya districts, areas controlled by Kurdish units. The SDF, in turn, blamed pro-government factions for the attack, reporting injuries to members of their security forces and civilians.

Bloody clashes had also occurred in early October, prior to a ceasefire. The Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya districts remain under Kurdish control despite agreements.

The SDF reached an agreement in March with Damascus to integrate into state institutions, but negotiations are delayed.