Heavy SDF clashes in Deir Hafer erupted early Monday between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syrian government troops in eastern Aleppo, accompanied by intense artillery and rocket exchanges on several frontlines.
Local sources confirmed that the SDF deployed large military reinforcements toward Deir Hafer and the Tishreen Dam axis, using modern artillery systems in ongoing strikes. The group also closed river crossings in the towns of Muhaymidah and al-Kasrah in western Deir ez-Zor amid heightened tension in the region.
Meanwhile, pro-government media reported that the Ministry of Defense launched drone strikes targeting SDF positions in Deir Hafer, resulting in multiple casualties. Kurdish sources, however, stated that the SDF also targeted Turkey-backed factions operating nearby.
According to an official statement from the SDF Media Center, Syrian government forces have “continued their attacks and violations in northern and eastern Syria,” including a suicide drone strike that hit an SDF vehicle near Deir Hafer, wounding three fighters, and a second drone attack on an Internal Security patrol that left four others injured.
The statement accused government forces of “indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas,” describing it as an attempt to “destabilize security and spread fear among residents.”
Field reports also indicated that SDF artillery shelling targeted positions of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—also referred to as “al-Joulani’s factions”—in the villages of Rasem al-Harmal, al-Shwaylikh, Humaymah, and al-Qeetah near Deir Hafer, killing and wounding several militants.
In parallel developments, SDF forces reportedly raised their flag in the town of Athriyah, 96 kilometers from Hama, expanding their influence across the Syrian desert. In response, government forces closed the Athriyah–Raqqa highway, halting commercial and civilian transport.
The SDF clashes in Deir Hafer mark the most violent escalation in weeks, amid full mobilization on both sides and fears of a broader confrontation extending toward Deir ez-Zor and the Aleppo countryside.
