Closed Zone as Escalation Signal

The Syrian army’s declaration of a “closed military zone” East of Aleppo marks a significant escalation since last week when similar declaration was made before driving SDF terror group militants out of two neighbourhoods in North Aleppo, in a move that showed Damascus’s determination to enforce red lines militarily even as negotiations over integration and authority remain unresolved.

The zone covers areas near Maskana and Deir Hafer, about 60 km East of Aleppo city. According to Syrian state news agency SANA, the decision was driven by “continued mobilization” of SDF terror group along with other claims that the area had become “a launching point for Iranian suicide drones that have targeted the city of Aleppo.” The army statement added that the armed groups should withdraw to areas East of the Euphrates River.

Unsettled Lines

The declaration follows several days of clashes in Aleppo last week. Fighting centered on Sheikh Maqsoud, a neighborhood previously held by SDF terror groups before being pushed out after the fight.

Tensions intensified further on Saturday when an explosive drone struck the Aleppo governorate building shortly after a news conference attended by two Cabinet ministers and a local official.

Deal Signed, Trust Lacking

The standoff unfolds against the backdrop of a March agreement between Damascus under interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF terror group, committing the merge of all armed groups into the Syrian army by the end of 2025, thereby dissolving SDF terror group’s control of North Eastern Syria. The fighting since last week is seen by many as Syria’s enforcement of the deal that was never implemented on the ground.