Syrian Army Threatens SDF Over Aleppo Buildup

The Syrian Army has issued a direct warning to the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) over a continued military buildup in Aleppo province. In a public statement, the army urged civilians to avoid areas where the SDF is operating. It also called on the armed groups to withdraw their forces to the eastern side of the Euphrates River. The SDF is a Kurdish-led alliance that controls large parts of northeastern Syria. Its presence west of the Euphrates in Aleppo is a point of major tension with the Syrian government in Damascus. The warning signals a potential escalation between the two sides. It comes amid reported SDF reinforcements in areas near government-held territory. The Syrian Army statement did not specify what actions it might take if the mobilization continues.