Aleppo, Syria – The United States has directly intervened in the escalating crisis in the eastern Aleppo countryside. US Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, announced on Friday intensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the rising tensions between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
US move to prevent explosion
In a post on the X platform, Barak confirmed that Washington is maintaining close and round-the-clock contact with all Syrian parties. This aims to revive the “integration talks” between Damascus and the SDF. The US envoy emphasized the need to revive the March 10, 2025 agreement, considering it a framework for a solution that would end the current military conflict.
War drums in Deir Hafer
These diplomatic efforts come at a time of escalating military buildups on the Deir Hafer front in the eastern Aleppo countryside. The Syrian government yesterday threatened an imminent military operation to retake the Deir Hafer and Maskana areas, which fell under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) following the major battlefield shifts in December 2014. On the ground, reports indicate concentrated shelling by the Syrian army targeting specific locations. This continues amidst a state of high alert on both sides of the front lines.
Humanitarian crisis and stalled corridors
On the humanitarian front, the deadline for civilians to leave was extended for a second consecutive day. Local sources reported significant difficulties facing residents wishing to depart. These sources accused SDF fighters of preventing civilians from using the official humanitarian corridor opened by the Syrian army towards Aleppo. According to the sources, residents are forced to use rugged and dangerous agricultural and dirt roads to reach safe areas. This is a prelude to their transfer to shelters in Manbij and other areas.
Syrian Army warnings
The Syrian Army’s Operations Command issued a statement last Wednesday affirming that it would take all necessary measures “to eliminate any threat to the security of the region and its citizens.” It also urged residents to stay away from military positions to ensure their safety, a clear indication that the operation was imminent. This becomes even more evident if international pressure fails to defuse the crisis.
