In Syria, the number of armed clashes has sharply increased in recent days.
Clashes have reignited between the “Syrian Democratic Forces” (SDF), primarily linked to the PKK terrorist organization and controlling approximately one-third of the country, the US-backed People's Protection Units (YPG), and armed groups loyal to Damascus.
According to Modern.az, in eastern Aleppo, the parties are striking each other with artillery and rocket launchers.
Since the beginning of September, heavy fighting has been recorded in Tel Maaz, Al-Mughla, and other settlements. The Syrian Ministry of Defense announced that two civilians were killed and several homes were destroyed. SDF positions were targeted by the army's retaliatory fire.
In Deir ez-Zor province, the situation has further escalated. Following the execution of one of the representatives of the Al-Shaitat, one of the region's largest Arab tribes, by the SDF, the tribe declared general mobilization and called on all Arabs to “jihad and struggle.” The tribe's population of up to 90,000 increases the risk of the conflict expanding.
It should be recalled that the protocol signed in March between Damascus and the SDF leadership envisaged the integration of Kurdish armed groups into the Syrian army. However, after the SDF's demand for autonomy for its 80–100 thousand strong force was rejected by Damascus, the agreement failed, and since August, the parties have once again taken up arms.
Ankara demands the complete disarmament of the YPG. Although the process of PKK disbandment and weapons handover continues, the SDF leadership states that this process does not concern them. The Turkish side, however, does not rule out the possibility of a new military operation if necessary.
