DAMASCUS, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army shot down hostile drones launched by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) toward military positions near the Tishreen Dam in eastern Aleppo on Friday, calling it a violation of the March 10 agreement between Damascus and the SDF, state media reported.
The drones were intercepted before reaching their targets, the state-run SANA news agency said. Separately, SDF forces targeted a checkpoint of Syria's Internal Security near al-Shihan roundabout in Aleppo, injuring one security personnel, the report added.
Mohammad Abdel Ghani, commander of Internal Security in Aleppo province, said SDF snipers deployed in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods opened fire on a checkpoint while officers were regulating civilian movement.
Abdel Ghani warned civilians to avoid conflict zones for their safety, saying authorities are working to maintain stability. He added that continued violations by the SDF would be met with "necessary measures," holding the group fully accountable for any escalation.
The SDF said its forces near the roundabout came under shelling from factions affiliated with the Damascus government and that its response was "limited."
Friday's incidents come amid heightened tensions between the Syrian government and the SDF in Aleppo and surrounding areas, following a series of armed confrontations, sniper attacks, and mutual accusations in recent weeks.
The March 10 agreement was designed as a framework for dialogue and de-escalation between Damascus and the SDF. Its stated aims were to integrate northeastern Syria's military and administrative structures into state institutions, safeguard territorial unity, and prevent further clashes.
The deal's implementation, however, has been repeatedly delayed. Damascus accuses the SDF of failing to honor its commitments and continuing unilateral military moves, while the SDF blames government-aligned forces for provoking confrontations. ■
