Kurdish-led forces redeploy east of the Euphrates after diplomatic efforts, as Syrian government extends humanitarian corridors for displaced families.
RIYADH — The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced a withdrawal from positions east of Aleppo, following calls from allied nations and mediators seeking to avoid a wider confrontation with Syrian government troops.
In a statement issued Friday, SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi said the Kurdish-led forces would begin pulling back at 7 a.m. local time on Saturday, repositioning units east of the Euphrates River. The move came after a visit by a U.S. military delegation to the town of Deir Hafer, where officials met with SDF leaders in an effort to ease hostilities.
The United States, which maintains ties with both the SDF and Syrian government, has repeatedly called for restraint, although a Pentagon spokesperson did not immediately comment on the latest developments.
Just before Abdi’s announcement, interim Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa issued a presidential decree aimed at reinforcing Kurdish cultural and administrative rights, a move observers interpreted as a gesture to reduce ethnic tensions.
Displacement Surge
Meanwhile, hundreds of civilians fled toward government-held areas in northern Syria ahead of an expected Syrian military offensive into SDF-held territory. Eyewitnesses reported families using backroads after SDF checkpoints blocked the main highway near Deir Hafer.
The Syrian army had earlier established what it termed a “humanitarian corridor,” allowing evacuations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Thursday through Friday. Military officials accused the SDF of obstructing civilian departures, an allegation not independently verified.
Scattered clashes were reported in the area prior to the ceasefire announcement, raising fears of an expanded conflict.
Displaced families, arriving in cars and trucks loaded with mattresses, clothing, and household items, were received by local authorities and directed to temporary shelters.
