Tensions rise in Syria as Damascus and Kurds clash over integration

WISE NEWS PRESS / DAMASCUS, SYRIA — DECEMBER 23, 2025

Tensions between the Syrian transitional government and Kurdish autonomous authorities reached a critical level following a stalemate in the March agreement aimed at integrating northeastern regions into the central state structure.

The friction escalated into active combat in Aleppo, where clashes between government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reportedly left three people dead and 12 injured. Following the violence, both the Syrian Ministry of Defense and SDF officials announced a tentative ceasefire facilitated by mediators, though the underlying political impasse remains unresolved.

Clashes in Aleppo and ceasefire efforts

According to reports by the ANKA news agency, the Syrian Ministry of Defense stated that its forces targeted specific "fire sources" in Aleppo to secure residential areas after being provoked. The ministry emphasized that the national army is not seeking to change control lines but is merely responding to attacks on civilian populations. Aleppo Governor Azzam Garip previously issued a "stay-at-home" warning as the situation deteriorated.

On the other side, YPG General Commander Axin Nucan claimed that the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods have been under a heavy four-month siege. "These provocative actions aim to drag us into armed conflict," Nucan said, adding that while the SDF remains committed to the ceasefire, they are prepared to respond to any threats against the safety of citizens.

Diplomatic traffic in Moscow

To increase pressure on the Kurdish administration, the transitional government's Foreign Minister Esad Hasan Sheybani and Defense Minister Murhef Abu Kasra traveled to Moscow for high-level consultations. The March agreement initially stipulated the dissolution of autonomous Kurdish structures and their absorption into the central administration by the end of the year.

Sources in Damascus indicate that the government has informed Russian officials of its readiness to use military force if the SDF continues to resist the integration terms. While the Kurdish administration argues that the year-end deadline was a "roadmap" rather than a binding ultimatum, Damascus insists that the time for negotiation is running out.

High-level Turkish delegation visits Damascus

The regional tension coincided with significant diplomatic movement from Ankara. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and Intelligence Chief (MİT) İbrahim Kalın met yesterday with Syrian Transitional President Ahmed Shara. The meeting reportedly focused on the integration process of the SDF and the broader security landscape in northern Syria.

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