Syria denies SDF claims of civilian attacks amid eastern Aleppo violence PHOTO / VIDEO

The Syrian Ministry of Defence has denied claims that the Syrian Arab Army targeted residential areas in Deir Hafer, in eastern Aleppo, stating that the accusations are being used by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to cover up their own crimes.

“We reject the allegations circulated by the SDF regarding attacks on civilian neighbourhoods in Deir Hafer," Caliber.Az quotes Syrian media as saying.

"These misleading claims aim to obscure the SDF’s crimes against civilians in north-eastern Syria and their ongoing attempts to destabilise security and stability.”

The Ministry added that Syrian army units exercise the “highest degree of restraint” and currently limit their fire to legitimate responses against sources of attack. The statement highlighted a recent response by the army to SDF fire targeting the villages of Humaymah and al-Keita east of Aleppo.

Eastern Aleppo has witnessed a fresh escalation since October 5, following SDF shelling of towns in the Deir Hafer area. According to a correspondent for Syria TV, the SDF fired shells at the towns of Rasm al-Imam al-Harmal and Shweilekh, causing material damage but no reported injuries.

RKK/YPG militants are shelling the outskirts of the city of Deir Hafer.

In response, the Syrian army targeted SDF positions using drones, retaliating against the attacks on villages in the region.

This follows a series of clashes in eastern Aleppo. In late September, the Ministry reported that two Syrian soldiers were killed in attacks by the SDF in the area, alongside civilian casualties, including one death and injuries caused by SDF rocket fire targeting the villages of al-Kayarieh and Rasm al-Ahmar earlier that month.

By Aghakazim Guliyev