Clashes erupt in Aleppo amid talks on integrating SDF into Syria

Aleppo violence amid high-level integration talks

Clashes were reported in Aleppo on Monday between Syrian government forces and the US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as diplomats met in Damascus to discuss SDF integration into state institutions. Syria’s state news agency SANA said the SDF attacked positions near the Sheihan and Lairmoun roundabouts, prompting closure of the Gaziantep–Aleppo road. The Syrian Civil Defence reported two of its rescuers were wounded after their clearly marked vehicle was fired upon. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Damascus described heavy gunfire and shelling during the incidents, which coincided with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s visit and talks with Syrian officials.

The fighting underscores deep disagreements over how the SDF should be absorbed: Damascus has proposed incorporating roughly 50,000 fighters into three divisions under partial Syrian control, while Turkey insists the SDF’s existing command structure be dismantled. Kurdish officials say a preliminary agreement on three SDF-affiliated divisions exists, but details remain unclear and implementation of the March integration deal has stalled. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani accused the SDF of procrastination, and with an original deadline at year’s end, observers warn the dispute could spark wider confrontation as reported by Al Jazeera