Syrian Army Advances on U.S.-Backed Forces in North

The Syrian military is conducting a major operation to reclaim territory in northern Syria from the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), threatening a direct confrontation between Damascus and the Kurdish-led militia. The government has issued a series of demands for the SDF to withdraw from areas west of the Euphrates River, particularly around the city of Aleppo, and has begun military strikes after labeling the group's positions "legitimate targets" [43807].

The core of the conflict is the Syrian state's effort to reassert its sovereignty over areas held by the SDF for nearly a decade. The SDF, a Kurdish-led alliance that was the primary ground partner for the United States in the fight against the Islamic State group (ISIS), controls large parts of northeast Syria. This territory includes most of the country's oil and agricultural resources, and the SDF administers it with a degree of self-rule that Damascus rejects [32429].

In recent weeks, the Syrian Arab Army has advanced across northern Syria, with experts stating the goal is "to destroy" the SDF and end its autonomous administration [52760]. The operation has focused on Aleppo province, where the SDF holds several neighborhoods. The army has vowed to "liberate" these districts, accusing the SDF of blocking civilian movement and launching attacks [43859][51121]. Military statements frame the campaign as a counter-terrorism and law-enforcement mission to restore state authority [46862].

The United States has called for de-escalation, with a U.S. envoy urging both sides to "return to dialogue" after clashes killed dozens [46817]. Washington has also publicly demanded that Syria halt its offensive operations [52770]. However, analysts note the U.S. has not intervened to stop the Syrian army's advance, a shift that leaves the SDF vulnerable [52760]. Regional actors like Jordan have joined the call for the SDF to withdraw from specific areas [46488].

As the Syrian army moves forward, some SDF units have withdrawn from positions west of the Euphrates River, with Damascus announcing it will deploy its own troops into those areas [52198]. The situation remains volatile, with the Syrian military warning of a "dangerous escalation" if the SDF does not comply with its demands [47900]. The clashes risk destabilizing northern Syria and mark a decisive push by the government to end the era of Kurdish-led self-rule established during the civil war.