Syria claims it downed SDF drones targeting homes in Aleppo

Syria's military has reported intercepting a drone attack by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northern Aleppo countryside, alleging the unmanned aircraft were targeting residential areas. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening near the city of Ayn al-Arab, also known as Kobani, raises tensions despite a recently renewed ceasefire.

Details of the Alleged Drone Attack

According to a statement from the Syrian Defense Ministry's Media and Communications Department, army forces successfully shot down "several suicide and reconnaissance drones belonging to the SDF." The official state news agency, SANA, reported the ministry's claim that the SDF had used the drones in an attempt "to target roads and residents' homes in the vicinity of Ayn al-Arab in the Aleppo countryside." The alleged attack represents a direct challenge to the local civilian population in the region.

Ceasefire Violations and Rising Tensions

This latest incident comes just one day after the Syrian Army publicly accused the SDF of breaching the terms of an active ceasefire by targeting military positions around Ayn al-Arab. The reported drone assault occurred despite the extension of that fragile truce between the Syrian government forces and the SDF by an additional 15 days. The conflicting accusations highlight the ongoing instability in northern Syria, where multiple factions maintain a precarious presence.

Strategic Context in Northern Syria

The region surrounding Ayn al-Arab in Aleppo province has long been a strategic and contested area. Control over this territory near the Turkish border is critical for various military actors, including the Syrian Arab Army, the SDF, and other armed groups. Clashes and allegations of ceasefire violations are frequent, disrupting the lives of civilians caught in the conflict zone and complicating broader efforts to de-escalate the Syrian civil war.