SDF strikes internal security positions in Deir ez-Zor countryside

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) targeted internal security positions in the town of al-Buleil in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor on January 7.

A security source told the state news agency that the attack involved heavy machine-gun fire against positions held by the Internal Security Forces, Caliber.Az reports. 

Earlier on January 7, the Syrian Arab Army’s Operations Command declared the Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighbourhoods in Aleppo a “closed military zone” from 3:00 PM, warning civilians to avoid areas near SDF positions.

Tens of thousands of residents have fled Aleppo amid a second day of clashes with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). 

The Directorate for Social Affairs reported that over 45,000 people were displaced, many heading northwest towards Afrin. Families left on foot through humanitarian corridors or on city buses, carrying only essential belongings.

The fighting, which began on January 6 and has killed at least nine people, follows the failure to implement a March agreement integrating the SDF into Syria’s state institutions. The Syrian army labelled SDF sites in the neighbourhoods “legitimate military targets” and warned residents to evacuate. Schools, universities, government offices, and Aleppo airport operations were suspended.

The SDF denied having a presence in the areas and called on the army to halt the offensive, warning that continued violence could turn Syria into an “open battlefield again.” The United Nations urged all parties to de-escalate and protect civilians.

Analysts say the clashes highlight the fragile state of post-Assad Syria, as President Ahmed al-Sharaa seeks to integrate minority forces while managing lingering sectarian tensions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev