SDF Warns of Retaliation if Damascus-Backed Forces Persist in Hostilities
The SDF warned it will counter pro-government forces' movements near Deir Hafer and Aleppo neighborhoods, citing breached ceasefire terms. Damascus-allied drone activity and troop deployments reported.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have warned that they will respond to ongoing provocations by Damascus-backed armed groups if such actions continue, accusing these groups of attempting to advance into areas under SDF control in recent days.
In an official statement released through its online platform on Wednesday, the SDF said that for several days, pro-government forces have sought to push forward their positions under the pretext of conducting suspicious movements in several areas, particularly around the town of Deir Hafer and surrounding villages. The statement stressed that SDF units remain on full alert, declaring, “If these attacks persist, we will, as a legitimate right, be compelled to defend ourselves and respond.”
The SDF accused these armed groups of gathering in the vicinity of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, deploying fighters into the neighborhoods. It added that unmanned reconnaissance aircraft have been circling over the area, with one drone reportedly crashing and exploding nearby.
According to the statement, such actions undermine the ceasefire agreement reached last April between the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh Council and the Syrian government.
In closing, the SDF urged the Syrian government to halt the provocations of its allied armed groups to prevent the collapse of existing agreements and understandings. The statement also called on Damascus to safeguard civil peace in Aleppo and other affected areas.
