A pivotal agreement aimed at merging the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into official state structures has hit a deadlock amid mutual accusations of violence between the parties.
Published On 7 Oct 2025
Following a night marked by violent clashes that resulted in one fatality and four injuries, Syria’s government has announced a ceasefire with Kurdish forces in Aleppo’s northern districts.
Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra declared the truce on Tuesday after discussions with Mazloum Abdi, the leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). He confirmed that both parties had consented to a “comprehensive ceasefire covering all fronts and military positions in northern and northeastern Syria.”
“This agreement will be put into effect immediately,” the minister emphasized.
The confrontation erupted when SDF fighters reportedly attacked government checkpoints in Aleppo, according to the state news outlet SANA.
SANA further reported that SDF units shelled residential neighborhoods such as Sheikh Maqsoud and Achrafieh using mortars and heavy machine guns, causing civilian casualties.
Local witnesses told The Associated Press that shelling in a public park led to the deaths of two security personnel, while a woman and a child sustained injuries.
However, the SDF refuted claims of attacking checkpoints, stating their forces had withdrawn from the area months prior. They attributed the violence to provocations by government troops.
In a statement released Tuesday, the SDF accused government factions of repeatedly assaulting civilians in Aleppo’s neighborhoods and enforcing a blockade on these areas.
This recent outbreak of violence underscores the ongoing friction between the interim Syrian government and the SDF, which continues to assert autonomous control over northeastern Syria.
The incident also represents a significant obstacle to the landmark agreement reached in March between President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi.
Following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December, the accord was intended to incorporate Kurdish-led forces into Syria’s official institutions.
Under the terms of the deal, strategic assets managed by the SDF-including border crossings, an airport, and key oil and gas fields-were to be transferred to Damascus by year’s end. The SDF currently governs approximately 25% of Syrian territory, predominantly in the northeast.
Damascus aims to reassert full sovereignty over the nation, but progress on implementing the March agreement has stalled amid mutual recriminations.
Both the Syrian government and the SDF have accused each other of instigating hostilities that have heightened tensions.
On Tuesday, the presidential office announced that al-Sharaa had engaged in talks with US envoy Tom Barrack to explore ways to advance the agreement “while protecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The discussions also covered “measures to bolster the political process,” according to the official statement.
In a related development, Syria released the results of its first parliamentary elections since al-Assad’s removal, marking a critical step in the country’s fragile post-conflict transition after nearly 14 years of civil war.
The newly formed People’s Assembly is predominantly composed of Sunni Muslim men. Nawar Najmeh, spokesperson for the electoral commission, revealed at a press briefing that women constitute only four percent of the 119 indirectly elected members, and just two Christians secured seats, raising concerns about representation and inclusivity.
