Syrian Army Seizes Northern Towns, Forces Kurdish SDF Out

Syrian government forces launched operations into several northern areas long held by Kurdish-led fighters, with state media and international outlets reporting rapid advances and capture of towns.

“Kurdish-led SDF accuses Syrian forces of violating withdrawal deal as they take key towns and oilfields”

Al Jazeera

France 24 reported that government forces advanced into several northern areas formerly held by Kurdish-led fighters and seized strategic locales including Tabqa and the Euphrates Dam.

Al Jazeera

CNN said fighting between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continued despite a recent pullback and a presidential decree promising expanded rights for Kurds.

Rudaw described heavy clashes and said the developments could open a corridor from Aleppo to Raqqa, underlining the scale of the government push.

Syrian state media and pro-government statements claimed control of specific towns and dozens of villages east of Aleppo, naming Deir Hafer, Maskana (Maskanah) and a military airport among captured sites.

They said forces were 'securing the exit of more than 200 SDF fighters and their weapons'.

Al-Jazeera Net

Free Malaysia Today reported that state television said the army had taken control of 34 villages and towns east of Aleppo, including Deir Hafer, Maskana and a military airport.

ETV Bharat and Al-Jazeera Net quoted the operations command saying troops had full control of Deir Hafer, Maskanah and al-Jafira and were sweeping for mines and ordnance.

Qatar Tribune also carried the government's claim of complete military control of towns east of Aleppo after the SDF pulled out under a withdrawal agreement.

The SDF and Kurdish sources dispute the sequence and legality of the takeovers, accusing Damascus of breaching withdrawal terms and of moving troops and heavy weapons into areas before Kurdish fighters had finished withdrawing.

“Syrian state media reported that four Syrian soldiers were killed Saturday in two attacks by YPG/SDF (referred to by the reports as PKK “terror” militias) in northern and northeastern Syria”

Anadolu Ajansı

The SDF called it a 'highly dangerous situation'.

Rudaw reported SDF accusations that government forces launched new attacks and ambushed retreating fighters, saying some SDF elements were besieged.

UPI quoted the SDF saying fighters were 'engaged in intense clashes' and that groups remained besieged in Deir Hafer and Maskana despite a 48-hour withdrawal agreement.

Bукви said some fighters were besieged 'due to the treacherous actions of the Damascus government.'

Political advances followed steps intended to recalibrate Kurdish-state relations, but many Kurdish figures described them as insufficient.

Multiple outlets reported President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued a decree recognizing Kurds as an 'essential and integral part' of Syria, making Kurdish a 'national language' in areas with large Kurdish populations, and restoring some nationality rights.

Apa.az

The Straits Times and Free Malaysia Today said Kurds welcomed the recognition but added that constitutional protections and demands for decentralisation remained unmet.

Analysts and regional reporting said a March deal to integrate Kurdish forces into state structures has stalled.

Observers warned the decree offers cultural concessions while Damascus consolidates military control.

The clashes and troop movements prompted international warnings and local displacement, with U.S. officials urging restraint and mediators pressing for pauses even as civilians fled.

The U.S. Central Command urged Syrian forces to show restraint and halt offensive actions, and the Boston Globe reported U.S. military officials visited Deir Hafer urging calm and noting the U.S. has good ties to both sides.

Arab News PK

SSBCrack reported that at least 4,000 civilians have fled the Deir Hafer area amid rising tensions.

KLAS 8 and CNN described diplomatic efforts, including meetings by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack to prevent escalation and secure guarantees for withdrawing fighters.

Observers said the withdrawal may reflect Kurdish tactical choices to avoid defeat as broader integration talks remain stalled.