A significant shift is underway in Syria: the Syrian army is advancing into eastern Aleppo following the withdrawal of Kurdish forces. This move marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing complexities of the Syrian conflict. Let's break down what's happening.
Syrian troops have been observed entering Deir Hafer, a town situated roughly 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Aleppo. This follows the announcement by the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia on Friday that they would redeploy east of the Euphrates River. But here's where it gets controversial... This decision came after discussions with US officials and a promise from Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to recognize Kurdish as a national language.
Following clashes last week, the US urged both sides to avoid confrontation. President al-Sharaa is also aiming to integrate Kurdish military and civilian entities into Syrian national institutions.
The Syrian army declared in a statement to the state-run news agency Sana that its forces had "begun entering the western Euphrates area" and established "full military control" over Deir Hafer. The military has cautioned civilians to stay away from the operational zone until it is secured and cleared of mines and war remnants. Images have emerged showing Syrian forces, including tanks, advancing into the area.
This development comes after Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi agreed to pull back the US-backed SDF, responding to "calls from friendly countries and mediators." US special envoy Tom Barrack and Mazloum Abdi are scheduled to meet later in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan.
In recent days, the Syrian army had already advised civilians to evacuate the Deir Hafer area, with Syrian authorities reporting that at least 4,000 people have left.
Before the Kurdish withdrawal, President al-Sharaa announced that Kurdish would become a national language and that the Kurdish New Year would be recognized as an official holiday. And this is the part most people miss... This decree, issued on Friday, represents the first formal recognition of Kurdish national rights since Syria's independence in 1946. It acknowledged Kurds as "an essential and integral part" of Syria, where they have faced decades of oppression.
Despite the apparent easing of tensions, disagreements persist. The Kurdish administration in Syria's north and north-east responded to the decree by calling it "a first step" but also calling for "permanent constitutions that express the will of the people," rather than "temporary decrees."
Meanwhile, after Syrian troops entered areas east of Aleppo, the Kurdish forces accused Damascus of "violating" the agreement by moving in earlier than agreed. The Syrian army, in turn, accused the SDF of "violating the agreement," stating that two of its soldiers were killed by Kurdish forces during the military's advance.
Kurdish forces have controlled large areas of Syria's oil-rich north and north-east, which they gained during the civil war and the fight against the Islamic State group over the past decade. Following the ousting of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, President al-Sharaa has been trying to integrate Kurdish bodies into Syrian institutions. In March 2025, the SDF signed an agreement with the government to that effect. Almost a year later, the agreement is still not implemented, with each side blaming the other.
What are your thoughts on these developments? Do you see this as a positive step towards resolving the Syrian conflict, or do you believe it will lead to further complications? Share your opinions in the comments below!
