The Syrian army announced on October 10, 2023, the establishment of a “closed military zone” in an area east of Aleppo, marking a potential escalation in hostilities with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This decision follows several days of intense clashes in Aleppo that displaced tens of thousands before an evacuation of Kurdish fighters from the contested neighborhood of Sheikh Maqsoud concluded last weekend.
Syrian officials have accused the SDF of mobilizing forces near the towns of Maskana and Deir Hafer, located approximately 60 kilometers east of Aleppo city. The SDF has denied these claims. According to the state news agency SANA, the military zone was declared due to the “continued mobilization” by the SDF and the area’s role as a launching point for Iranian suicide drones targeting Aleppo. An explosive drone struck the Aleppo governorate building on October 7 shortly after local officials held a press conference regarding the situation, with the SDF denying any involvement in the attack.
Political Negotiations Stalled
The Syrian army’s statement urged armed groups to withdraw to areas east of the Euphrates River, highlighting ongoing tensions amidst an impasse in political negotiations between the central government and the SDF. In March 2023, the leadership in Damascus, under interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, signed an agreement with the SDF for the latter’s integration into the Syrian army by the end of 2025. However, disagreements over the process remain, particularly as some factions of the new Syrian army were previously aligned with Turkey-backed insurgent groups that have historically clashed with Kurdish forces.
The SDF has been a key U.S. ally in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria. Yet, Turkey regards the SDF as a terrorist organization due to its links with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has been involved in a long-standing insurgency within Turkey. Despite this complex relationship, the Trump administration has strengthened ties with al-Sharaa’s government, urging Kurdish leaders to adhere to the terms of the March agreement.
Media Developments and Future Outlook
On October 9, 2023, Shams TV, a media outlet based in Irbil, the capital of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region, announced it would air an interview with President al-Sharaa. However, the broadcast was postponed for “technical” reasons, leaving the new date for airing uncertain.
The declaration of a closed military zone east of Aleppo adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught situation in Syria. As military actions unfold, the implications for both local populations and regional stability remain significant, warranting careful observation in the coming weeks.
