Syrian Army and Kurdish Forces Exchange Fire Amid Rising Tensions East of Aleppo

Following days of clashes in Aleppo that displaced tens of thousands and ended with Kurdish fighters evacuating Sheikh Maqsoud, Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) exchanged fire east of Aleppo. The Syrian army declared a 'closed military zone' citing SDF mobilization and alleged drone attacks on Aleppo city, which the SDF denied. Political negotiations over integrating Kurdish forces into the national army remain stalled amid rising tensions and protests by Syrian Kurds opposing government offensives.