Newsletters
Following the Syrian army’s victory over SDF-affiliated Asayish forces in Aleppo city, the YPG-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched several drone attacks against Syria’s economic heart.
The SDF also deployed significant reinforcements to frontlines facing the Syrian army, where sporadic clashes have since erupted. As the Syrian government publicly signals its intention to regain control over SDF-held towns west of the Euphrates River, the question arises: Is Syria heading toward another round of military escalation?
After its defeat in Aleppo city, the SDF concentrated its troops and heavy equipment in Deyr Hafir—a town handed over to the SDF by the Assad regime during its collapse in December 2024. Deyr Hafir, along with the adjacent Maskanah region, lies west of the Euphrates River and is predominantly inhabited by the Arab tribes of Albu Shaban and Hadidin.
In an apparent attempt to slow a potential government advance, the SDF reportedly destroyed three bridges in the area and failed to demolish a fourth due to suppressive fire by the Syrian army along the frontline. Tensions on the ground remain high, and clashes continue. However, at least for now, the situation has not escalated into a full-scale ground assault. Unfortunately, such frontline skirmishes have become a grim norm in Syria over the past 15 years.
At present, the United States is once again deeply engaged in efforts to bring both sides back to the negotiating table. Washington apparently hopes that the setback in Aleppo city will convince the SDF to accept integration into the Syrian army and abandon its maximalist demands.
In previous rounds of negotiations, Damascus demonstrated a pragmatic and flexible approach, even agreeing to the SDF’s transformation into three divisions within the Syrian army—an idea it had initially rejected outright.
Despite this constructive posture, the SDF continued to escalate its demands. Encouraged by Israeli policies in Syria and misinterpreting the PKK disarmament process in Türkiye as a negotiated settlement, the SDF increasingly overplayed its hand.
In effect, the SDF sought not only to become a state within a state and an army within an army but also to impose a political system on Damascus-controlled parts of Syria—against the will of the Syrian people.
If the United States fails to bring the parties back to meaningful negotiations, or if renewed talks collapse once again, Syria is likely headed toward yet another round of military escalation.
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
