Syrian Forces Secure Mass Defection From Rival Militia

Syrian government forces have accepted the defection of approximately 100 fighters from a rival militia in Aleppo. The fighters left the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led group. The defections occurred in the city's northern districts. They are part of a wider government effort to regain full control of Aleppo. The SDF now only holds one neighborhood in the city, Sheikh Maqsoud. Syrian security forces are increasing pressure on the remaining area. The SDF was a key ally of the United States in the fight against the Islamic State group. Its ongoing conflict with the Syrian government is a major point of tension.