⚡ Syria’s conflict just saw major moves this past weekend! The Syrian army says it now has full military control of Deir Hafer, a key town east of Aleppo.
The victory follows a deal with the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), whose leader Mazloum Abdi agreed to withdraw 'towards redeployment in areas east of the Euphrates' after clashes last week. This pullback happened on Saturday, after days of army reinforcements near the town.
The army has urged civilians to stay away until they clear mines and war remnants—around 4,000 people have already fled the area, according to Syrian authorities.
In a parallel development, interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa issued a decree on Friday declaring Kurdish a 'national language' in regions with significant Kurdish communities. 📚✍️ This marks the first formal recognition of Kurdish since Syria gained independence in 1946.
The decree states that Kurds are 'an essential and integral part' of Syria and allows Kurdish to be taught in public schools where the minority is heavily present. It’s seen as a goodwill gesture after the recent violence, even as the plan to integrate the Kurds’ autonomous administration into the state remains stalled.
Kurds currently control large parts of Syria’s oil-rich north and northeast, having captured these areas during the civil war and the fight against the Islamic State group over the past decade.
As Syria’s Islamist-led authorities aim to extend control nationwide after Bashar al-Assad’s ousting in late 2024, this mix of military gains and cultural reforms highlights the evolving dynamics of Syria’s rebuild. 🌍🤝 Stay tuned for more insights!
Reference(s):
Syrian army says 'full control' over Kurdish-held town east of Aleppo
cgtn.com
