The recent announcement regarding the integration of the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian Army has not yielded any significant changes in the ongoing conflict within the Aleppo Governorate. Despite this agreement, the hostilities between Turkish forces, alongside the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), and Kurdish fighters continue unabated, with both factions exchanging fire across the region.

In a demonstration of military engagement, Turkish airstrikes have intensified, particularly around Kobani, where targeted locations included Qasaq village and the Sarin Airport. Additionally, strikes have been reported near the strategically important Qarqozaq Bridge, which SNA fighters are vying to capture. This bridge is critical as it is the northernmost crossing of the Euphrates River under Kurdish control; its loss would significantly hinder SDF logistics, necessitating a longer route for their forces from Kobani to the western Aleppo area.

The SDF has retaliated against Turkish aggression by launching missile strikes on Turkey’s al-Hushariyah base, located near Jarablus, although no casualties were reported. Moreover, the SDF successfully downed two Turkish drones near the Tishreen Dam, which were purportedly involved in reconnaissance and targeting of nearby villages that had been subjected to heavy shelling from Turkish and SNA forces.

While Kurdish officials have indicated that discussions surrounding the integration into the Syrian Army are in their preliminary phases, several pressing issues remain unresolved. Notably, the fate of key oil and gas fields currently under Kurdish control has yet to be addressed. The agreement to expel foreign fighters from SDF ranks aims to foster national unity, but such commitments will require tangible actions and further negotiations.

In summary, despite the SDF’s recent initiative to integrate with the Syrian Army, the battlefield dynamics in the Aleppo Governorate illustrate that deeper complexities and unresolved strategic interests continue to fuel the conflict, underscoring the fragile nature of any emerging alliances in this protracted struggle.