SDF tighten control over several neighborhoods in Aleppo

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
28 Dec 2024 23:36
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Al Mayadeen's correspondent reports that the Syrian Democratic Forces have managed to maintain their grip on several neighborhoods across Aleppo, despite continued tensions.

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Scenes from the location of confrontations between the SDF and the military personnel of the new Syrian administration on Friday, on December 27, 2024. (Social media)

Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported on Saturday evening that clashes in Aleppo had subsided and were nearly over after several tense hours in the city.

Our correspondent explained that the clashes began when "two members of the Syrian military administration mistakenly entered Aleppo in the early hours of Friday-Saturday, prompting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to open fire on them, which led to clashes lasting several hours."

According to the correspondent, the SDF has tightened its control over several streets in Aleppo, deploying snipers in elevated areas overlooking key neighborhoods in the city.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent also pointed out that the SDF is using this strategic position to establish fire control over several villages in Aleppo.

He also emphasized that "it cannot be said that the clashes have completely ended, as they have reoccurred in recent days, and the situation could change, especially with popular demands from the people of Aleppo to pressure the SDF and expel them from the city's neighborhoods."

Turkiye urges US to end support for Syrian Kurdish militias

Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday, reiterated Ankara's opposition to the presence of Syrian Kurdish fighters supported by Washington, emphasizing that they "cannot be allowed to take shelter in Syria."

A spokesperson for the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that Fidan specifically referred to the People's Protection Units (YPG), the leading force in the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Ankara regards the YPG as a Syrian affiliate of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group Turkiye has designated as a terrorist organization.

Turkiye has long criticized the US for its partnership with the SDF in northern Syria, while Washington claims that the Kurdish-led forces are essential to preventing the resurgence of ISIS. The US credits SDF for playing a central role in allegedly defeating ISIS militants in 2019.

During the conversation, Fidan conveyed Turkiye's support for efforts by Syria's new administration to maintain "territorial integrity and security." He also stressed the importance of coordinated action, saying, "It is important to act in cooperation with the new Syrian administration in order to ensure stability in Syria and to complete the transition period in an orderly manner," according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry.