Syrian Army: U.S.-Backed Militia Uses Civilians as 'Human Shields'

The Syrian Arab Army has accused the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of using civilians as human shields. The alleged tactic occurred during SDF attacks on military positions in Aleppo. In an official statement, the army said the SDF intimidated local residents. It also reported that the militia closed main roads and attacked an ambulance and a security patrol. The army further claims the SDF used drones to target both civilian neighborhoods and security sites. These actions have sharply raised tensions in the contested northern region. The SDF, a Kurdish-led alliance, has not yet responded to these specific allegations. The group is a key partner for the United States in the fight against ISIS in Syria.