A Syrian government soldier helps an old woman escape from embattled parts of the city of Aleppo in northern Syria.Image: keystone
Jan 7, 2026, 2:23 p.mJan 7, 2026, 4:02 p.m
After renewed clashes between Kurdish forces and government troops in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, the interim government has announced a “limited military operation” there.
The leadership in Damascus accuses the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of attacking residential areas, roads and security forces in Aleppo.
The operation was based on “a local decision and a public demand from residents,” the interim government said in a statement. The aim is to restore security and protect civilians. It’s about targeting armed groups, not civilians.
Planned integration of the Kurds has not yet been implemented
Since the upheaval in Syria at the end of 2024, the new rulers in Damascus have been striving for a central government for the country. Syria has been deeply divided by decades of rule by the Assad family and nearly 14 years of civil war. Kurds are the largest group of ethnic minorities in Syria. They live mainly in the northeast in a self-governing area. This is also where most of the country’s oil and gas reserves are located.
SDF fighters as they withdrew from Aleppo in April 2025.Image: keystone
In March last year, the Kurds and the interim government agreed to integrate the previously autonomous institutions into state structures. According to the agreement, Kurdish fighters should also be integrated into the army. To date, the agreement has not been implemented.
A deadline expired at the end of 2025. Until then, mechanisms for concrete implementation should be negotiated. So far the negotiations are at a standstill. The Kurds, for their part, fear renewed discrimination. They prefer a decentralized government system so as not to lose their rights again.
SDF blame government
The SDF accused government-aligned groups of attacking them. The SDF reported shelling. At least seven civilians have been killed since fighting flared up again on Tuesday. More than 50 people were injured. Tank shelling and drone attacks continued.
The interim government said three civilians were killed in SDF attacks yesterday. 15 others were injured. There were also children among them, it was said.
According to Kurdish sources, the districts of Sheikh Maksoud and Ashrafiya were under complete siege. The import of food and medical aid is being blocked. The Syrian military declared the two districts “military restricted zones” from 3 p.m. (local time). A curfew then applies there. (rbu/sda/dpa)