Security Tensions in Aleppo Amid Continued Closure of Deir Hafer Road

Security tensions continue in the city of Aleppo and its eastern countryside for the fifth consecutive day between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and forces affiliated with the transitional government, amid growing fears of direct confrontations between the two sides.

Government forces have established a military checkpoint near the Ashrafieh neighborhood park, along with earthen fortifications at the Al-Layramoun roundabout, alongside the deployment of elements from the Turkey-backed “National Army” factions in the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood. This is despite the ongoing operation of joint security checkpoints at the entrances of both Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods.

Simultaneously, the vital road linking Aleppo and Deir Hafer remains closed, causing paralysis in transportation and shipping for five days. On September 29, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the continued closure of the Aleppo-Raqqa road in the Deir Hafer area, coinciding with the arrival of Turkish military reinforcements at Kuweires Airport and others sent by the SDF to the Tishrin Dam, opposite Turkish reinforcements supporting government forces.

These developments, including the establishment of military points and field fortifications, have sparked widespread fears among residents about the escalation of tensions into direct clashes in the near future.