Syrian forces storm SDF positions in Aleppo, seize major arms haul

A violent confrontation erupted in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Monday, as government forces stormed positions controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and intercepted significant weapons shipments. The clashes, which resulted in civilian casualties, occurred during a critical visit by Turkey's Foreign Minister and have intensified fears over the collapse of a March agreement designed to peacefully integrate the SDF into the Syrian state.

A Coordinated Crackdown Amid High-Stakes Diplomacy

The fighting broke out as Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was in Damascus for talks with Syria's interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa. The timing underscores the operation's strategic nature. During the clashes, Syrian security forces conducted separate raids in areas south of Damascus and on the Iraqi border, seizing drones, explosives, and surface-to-air missiles allegedly destined for the SDF and other armed groups. The interior ministry stated that five suspects were arrested in connection with the weapons haul.

Clash Over a Critical Deadline

The violence is directly linked to the looming expiration of the "March 10 Agreement," a U.S.-backed deal that set a year-end deadline for the SDF to integrate its military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state. Speaking in Damascus, Foreign Minister Fidan accused the SDF of having "no intention" of meeting this commitment and of "playing for time". Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani echoed this, stating Damascus has seen no serious initiative from the SDF to implement the pact. The core dispute centers on whether SDF fighters will join the new national army as intact units or be dispersed individually.

Civilian Toll and War of Words

The fighting in Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods proved deadly. The Damascus-run Aleppo Health Directorate reported at least two civilians killed and eight injured by SDF shelling. The SDF offered a conflicting account, blaming "factions affiliated with the Damascus government" for mortar attacks that killed one civilian and injured 23. Both sides have since issued orders to cease hostilities following de-escalation contacts.

Regional Stakes and Türkiye's Central Role

The standoff has major implications for regional security. Türkiye, which views the SDF as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), is a key player. Ankara insists the SDF's integration is essential for Syria's—and thus Türkiye's—stability and has threatened military action if the process fails. Analysts warn that a collapse of the March agreement risks a broader armed clash that could draw in Türkiye and unravel Syria's fragile emergence from war.