SDF–Syrian Transitional Government clashes (2025–present)
The SDF–Syrian Transitional Government clashes describe a series of ongoing armed confrontations between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the HTS-led Syrian Army along the internal border between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and the Syrian Transitional Government (STG). As of September 2025, the clashes have been mostly limited to exchanges of artillery shelling and small- to medium-arms fire in Dayr Hafir, Manbij, al-Khafsah, Deir ez-Zor, and their surrounding areas.[9] Arab tribal forces and local gunmen led by the Syrian Army's 86th Division also participated in the clashes in the Deir ez-Zor Governorate.[10][11] BackgroundDuring the fall of the Assad regime, a period marked by instability and uncertainty, Turkey and its affiliated militant group, the Syrian National Army (SNA), launched various offensives against Kurdish-controlled areas east of the Euphrates. Following months of fighting, which stalled near the Tishrin Dam, and an SDF counteroffensive in December 2024, SDF leader Mazloum Abdi and Syrian government leader Ahmed al-Sharaa signed the March 10 agreement, which implemented a country-wide ceasefire and laid out principles for the integration of the AANES into the new Syrian government.[9][12][13] Delays in implementing the agreement, with both sides accusing each other of obstruction, along with the cancellation of the SDF–STG talks in Paris on 25 July and again on 9–10 August, heightened hostilities between the AANES and the Syrian government, which, according to Hawar News, was facing increasing Turkish pressure.[14][15][16] This pressure stemmed from Ankara’s long-standing opposition to an autonomous Kurdish entity on its border, fearing it could fuel Kurdish nationalism in Turkish Kurdistan. Since 2015, Turkey has waged military campaigns against Kurdish forces in Syria and has, after the formation of the new Syrian Transitional Government, repeatedly threatened further invasions unless they agree to integrate into the Syrian government.[9][17] At the same time, government-aligned Arab tribes in Deir ez-Zor called for mobilization against the SDF, while increased Islamic State (ISIS) activity prompted additional SDF deployments along the Euphrates. Regional reports also claimed that Damascus had amassed as many as 50,000 troops near Palmyra, further heightening tensions along the SDF–STG contact line.[9][18][19][20] The New Arab also stated that the increasing tensions between the SDF and the Syrian government were exacerbated in part by clashes in Suweida province between government forces and local Druze militia.[7] ClashesThe STG engaged in various armed altercations with the SDF in the months after the agreement, predominantly in Deir ez-Zor province and near the town of Dayr Hafir. In turn both sides accused each other of violating the 10 March agreement.[9][21][22] AugustThe first clashes were reported on 2 August 2025 near Deir Hafer and al-Khafsah.[9][23] Syria’s state-owned news agency SANA reported that four Syrian Army soldiers and three civilians were injured during the fighting, and claimed sole responsibility for the SDF.[6] On 4 August, the SDF accused government-linked factions of attacking four of its positions in the village of Al-Imam, near Manbij.[24][25][26] On 12 August, one Syrian Army soldier was killed in clashes with the SDF.[5][12] In addition the government's Ministry of Information claimed that two civilians were killed and three injured.[27] Coinciding with the clashes the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) warned of a 'wider conflict' if the US does not remain fully engaged in preventing the collapse of the March agreement.[9] On 14 August, clashes broke out between the SDF and STG forces in Deir ez-Zor city, amid reports of Syrian armour heading eastwards. Machine guns and mortar fire were reported, injuring some Syrian soldiers as well as local fishermen.[7] The pro-government news outlet Enab Baladi reported that one civilian was killed.[11] On the same day the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on tribal fighters, lead by Abu Hatem Shaqra's 86th Division, which abducted 6 off-duty SDF fighters in a pharmacy in the town of Gharanij. The following clashes, which included mortar fire coming from government-controlled areas, lead to the death of 1 tribal fighter and injury of 3 more, while one SDF vehicle was seized. Two kidnapped members were released later on the same day, while the four others were freed on 16 August. The SDF increased its military presence in the region with over 100 military vehicles and YAT special forces after the events.[4][10][28] On 24 August, the SDF reported that "armed groups affiliated with the Damascus government" launched an attack on a military post of the al-Kasra Military Council in the town of al-Junaynah, Deir ez-Zor's western countryside, violating the ceasefire.[29][3] On 31 August, another round of clashes was reported in Tel Ma'az, near Dayr Hafer, between the SDF and the Syrian Army.[30] SeptemberAround September, Turkey staged its first airstrikes in months on Kurdish positions, and the Kurds dug new defensive tunnels. Mottassem Abbas, commander of the Syrian Army's 80th Divison, said to Reuters in an interview: “We’re sending more men and weapons to reinforce [the contact line with the SDF]."[1] On 10 September, the SOHR reported mutual shelling in Maskanah between the SDF and the Turkish-backed Suleiman Shah Brigade, a militant group that had been integrated into the Syrian Army as the 62nd Division. No casualties were reported.[2][31][32] The FDD reported that clashes on the same day caused the death of two civilians and injury of three more.[17] On 14 September, clashes broke out between the SDF and STG-forces near the al-Asharah-Darnaj bridge. According to a statement by the SDF, the "assault by armed groups linked to the Syrian government" was aimed at securing river crossings for smugglers, a claim confirmed by local sources cited by the SOHR.[33][34][35] On 20 September, the SOHR reported mutual shelling and drone strikes in Deir Hafer, following an attack on SDF positions by the Syrian Army using drones.[23] In turn, the SOHR reported on the same day that three civilians were injured by shelling from members of the Syrian Army. According to the SDF, the assault on their positions began with drone strikes, followed by heavy artillery shelling that directly targeted homes, killing seven civilians, including women and children, and wounding four others. The SDF held the Syrian Ministry of Defense directly responsible for the 'massacre' and considered its statements of refute "a killing of the truth and a blatant attempt to evade responsibility."[36][37] The group added that it also repelled a separate drone attack by “Damascus government gunmen” on one of its positions in Dayr Hafer, forcing the attackers to retreat.[38] On 21 September, the SOHR updated its casualty figures, reporting that five women and two children were killed, while four others, including three women, were injured in the attacks by the Syrian Army.[39] On 22 September, the SOHR updated its casualty figures once again, as an injured infant succumbed to his wounds, bringing the total number of civilians killed by the Syrian Army to eight.[40] On 22 September, the General Command of the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) said in a statement, that they thwarted an assault on Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo by "rogue factions affiliated with the Ministry of Defense of the Damascus Government." The Asayish claimed to have injured three of the attackers and to have seized their vehicle.[41][8] Reactions
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