Clashes in Aleppo this week underlined the fragility of talks aimed at reshaping Syria’s security landscape, as fighting erupted between government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces amid negotiations on SDF integration into state institutions.
At least three people were killed and more than 30 injured after exchanges of fire and shelling struck contested neighborhoods in the city. Local health officials reported civilian casualties while both sides accused the other of initiating the violence. By Monday evening, Syria’s defense ministry and the SDF said their forces had halted the attacks following de-escalation contacts signaling an effort to prevent a wider escalation in Aleppo clashes.
The fighting came days before the deadline set by a March 10 agreement that committed Damascus and the SDF to integrate civil and military bodies in Northeastern Syria into the national framework. The SDF, which is not aligned with the coalition that toppled former president Bashar al-Assad, remains the most powerful non-state force in the country.
Government sources stated that SDF shelling hit residential areas, while SDF officials reported that neighborhoods under their control were targeted by heavy weapons fired by factions affiliated with the government. Each side said its actions were defensive and aimed at protecting civilians and security posts.
The incident coincided with high-level Turkey-Syria talks, as Turkish Prime Minister Hakan Fidan visited Damascus to discuss regional stability and the future of armed groups. Ankara has long opposed the SDF, viewing it as linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey designates as a terrorist organization. Speaking alongside Syrian officials, Fidan said Syria’s stability directly affects Turkey and urged progress through dialogue, warning that delays could undermine security.
Syrian officials, meanwhile, said the SDF had not demonstrated sufficient commitment to implementing the March agreement. Damascus has reportedly submitted proposals to advance the process and is reviewing responses from SDF leadership.
For Turkey, the negotiations carry added weight. Ankara has urged Washington to lift sanctions on Syria and has resumed training programs for Syrian army personnel, ensuing political changes taking place in Damascus. Turkish officials have also warned that a prolonged stalemate with the SDF could cause further volatility.
