Syrian Army Vows to "Liberate" Aleppo Districts from US-Backed Force

The Syrian army has pledged to retake control of two neighborhoods in Aleppo from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). It accuses the SDF of attacking civilians who try to leave. In a statement, the military said it would move into the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh districts. The goal is to end what it called SDF "oppression" and protect civilians. The SDF is a key U.S. ally in the fight against ISIS, but is viewed as a threat by the Syrian government. The army specifically accused the SDF of targeting families attempting to flee the areas. The SDF has not yet responded to these claims. This announcement raises the risk of direct conflict between Syrian government forces and the SDF. These groups have mostly avoided major fighting while battling common enemies in Syria's long war.