Syrian Forces Advance into Kurdish Areas Amid Withdrawal Dispute and U.S. Calls to Halt

Syrian government forces advanced into Kurdish-held towns east of Aleppo after the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew from areas including Deir Hafer as part of a withdrawal agreement. While residents in Arab-majority towns welcomed the Syrian troops, clashes erupted over disputed territories such as Tabqa and nearby oilfields, with both sides accusing each other of violating the deal. The U.S. urged Syrian forces to halt further advances, and coalition planes conducted warning flights amid ongoing tensions.