Syrian Army and Kurdish Forces Exchange Fire in Eastern Aleppo Amid Tensions

Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) exchanged fire on January 13, 2026, in eastern Aleppo province amid ongoing tensions and stalled talks over integrating SDF fighters into the national army. Both sides reported attacks involving drones, artillery, and rockets near Deir Hafer. Recent clashes displaced tens of thousands and ended with Kurdish withdrawal from Sheikh Maqsoud. The Syrian Army declared parts of eastern Aleppo a closed military zone, urging armed groups to withdraw east of the Euphrates River.