Syria’s army has seized control of 34 towns in eastern Aleppo after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew amid clashes. The army accused the SDF of violating agreements and attacking its patrols, while the SDF claimed the army entered before their complete withdrawal. Civilians are returning to Deir Hafer, celebrating the military’s control, as the government seeks to extend its authority across the country. A recent decree recognized Kurdish as a national language, marking a significant yet insufficient step towards Kurdish rights in Syria.
