Aleppo [Syria], January 8: The Syrian interim government in Damascus announced on Wednesday a "limited military operation" against areas controlled by the Kurds in the northern city of Aleppo, a government statement said.
This came following renewed clashes between Kurdish forces and government troops in areas east of the city of Aleppo. Authorities accuse the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of attacking residential areas, main roads and security forces in the city.
The operation is based on "a local decision and a public demand from residents," the statement said. It aims to restore security and protect civilians, and will focus on targeting armed groups rather than the civilian population, the statement continued.
The country remains deeply divided after decades of rule by the Al-Assad family and nearly 14 years of civil war. Kurds, Syria's largest ethnic minority, mainly live in the north-east in a self-administered region that contains much of the country's oil and gas resources.
Since the political upheaval in Syria at the end of 2024, the new leadership in Damascus has sought to establish a strong central government.
In March, Kurdish authorities and the interim government agreed to integrate autonomous Kurdish institutions into the state, including the incorporation of Kurdish fighters into the national army.
Source: Qatar Tribune