Daijiworld Media Network - Damascus

Damascus, Dec 23: Fresh violence was reported in Syria’s Sweida and Aleppo regions after Druze militias and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were allegedly targeted by troops linked to the Syrian government, leaving at least four people dead, according to multiple media reports.

Syrian Druze militias came under attack in the Sweida region, resulting in the death of two members of the “National Guard” movement, Israel-based outlet Ynet reported, citing the Syrian Center for Human Rights.

Separately, clashes broke out in Aleppo between Syrian army units and fighters of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, killing two more people, Syrian newspaper Enab Baladi said. Other reports suggested the overall death toll could be higher.

State-run daily al-Ikhbariya claimed that SDF snipers had opened fire on Syrian army personnel in Aleppo. Meanwhile, news agency SANA reported that several roads were shut after coming under gunfire, while residents reported hearing intense gunfire and shelling across multiple neighbourhoods during the day.

The escalation comes amid a visit to Syria by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who called on the SDF to peacefully reintegrate into the country’s defence framework. Turkey considers the Kurdish-led SDF to be linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

According to Reuters, the Syrian government has agreed to de-escalate tensions, with the army’s general command issuing orders to halt targeting of SDF positions. The SDF later confirmed that it had instructed its fighters to stop responding to attacks following de-escalation talks.

The situation remains tense, with international and regional developments closely watched as Syria grapples with renewed internal instability.