Deadly Clashes Erupt Between Syrian Army and Kurdish-led SDF in Aleppo

Deadly clashes have broken out in the key northern Syrian city of Aleppo between PresidentBashar al-Assad's army and the Kurdish-ledSyrian Democratic Forces (SDF), according to reports. The violence shatters a fragile, unwritten truce in a city that has long symbolized the country's brutal civil war, raising fears of a new front opening in the conflict.

An Uneasy Coexistence Shattered

According to Al Jazeera, the fighting erupted recently in neighborhoods ofAleppo where the two forces have maintained a tense but relatively stable standoff for years. While specific casualty figures remain unconfirmed, sources indicate heavy weapons were used, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. This confrontation marks a significant departure from the de-facto non-aggression pact that has held, largely born of a shared enemy in ISIS.

Risk of Escalation and Geopolitical Fallout

The clashes could signal a strategic shift by the Damascus government, which may now feel emboldened to reassert control over territories held by the SDF as the threat from ISIS has receded. Such a move is fraught with risk, as it could draw their international patrons into closer confrontation. TheUnited States is the primary backer of the SDF, whileRussia provides crucial military support to Assad's regime. Any sustained conflict in Aleppo could destabilize the entire northern region and complicate the broader geopolitical landscape.