An agreement was reached in March for the Kurdish SDF to integrate into the Syrian Army, and while we’ve seemed close to the deal actually going through multiple times throughout the year, persistent clashes and tensions have dogged this plan, and as the first full...
Three Civilians Killed, 15 Wounded as Syrian Troops, Kurds Clash in Aleppo
Just a few days after the Syrian government presented its “final offer” to the Kurdish SDF on integration, the two sides were once again at odds, with fighting reported in the key northern city of Aleppo. At least three civilians were reported killed and 15 wounded in...
Syria Pushes ‘Final Offer’ for Kurdish Integration into the Military
The Syrian government has introduced what is simultaneously being called a “final offer” and an “ultimatum” for the integration of the Kurdish SDF into the Syrian armed forces, guaranteeing the Kurds significant representation in the military and the creation of new...
Persistent Violence Fuels Fears Among Post-Assad Syrians
The ouster of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad was meant to usher in a time of renewed calm in Syria, coming as it did after a bloody civil war. Some Syrians are still upbeat about their chances. Minorities, not so much. Whether they’re religious or ethnic minorities,...
Two Syrian Soldiers Killed Near Tishrin Dam, Military Blames Kurdish SDF
Two Syrian soldiers were killed and one was wounded Wednesday near the oft-contested Tishrin Dam in the northern Aleppo Governorate. What actually happened is a matter of contention, however, as the military accused the Kurdish SDF of attacking the soldiers with a...
Kurdish SDF Sees Integration Into Syrian Army as Step Toward National Unity
Earlier this week, leaders of the SDF signaled a willingness to proceed with the integration of their forces into the national army of Syria, something which was agreed to back on March 10 but which has been stalled by persistent questions about federalization within...
Syria Claims SDF Killed One Soldier, Wounded Others as Ceasefire Falters
The Syrian Defense Ministry is reporting that the ceasefire reached earlier this week with the Kurdish SDF isn’t going very well, with fighting around the Tishrin Dam erupted just hours after the ceasefire went into effect. A statement on Thursday claimed that the SDF...
Syria, Kurdish SDF Reach ‘Comprehensive Ceasefire’ After Heavy Fighting
Syria’s Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi announced Tuesday that they have reached a “comprehensive ceasefire,” to go into effect immediately. This followed heavy fighting Monday in the eastern part of the Aleppo Governorate. The fighting...
Heavy Clashes Between Syrian Forces and Kurds in Aleppo
Tensions between the Syrian military and the Kurdish SDF have continued to escalate, with heavy fighting reported in the Aleppo Governorate overnight. Both sides are blaming the other for the incident. The SDF maintains that the military was engaged in provocations...
Two Syrian Soldiers, One SDF Fighter Killed as Eastern Aleppo Military Tensions Mount
Military tensions between Syria and the Kurdish SDF continue to grow in the eastern part of the Aleppo Governorate. Both sides have reported deaths as a result of attacks by the other side in the past 48 hours. On Wednesday, the SDF reported that one of their fighters...


