Syria After Assad: New President Faces Fresh Violence and Rising Tensions

Heavy fighting erupted in Aleppo between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, leaving at least one soldier and one civilian dead, according to state media. A ceasefire was announced Tuesday after talks between Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and S.D.F. leader Mazloum Abdi.

Source The New York Times

Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Shara, faces mounting criticism for failing to prevent sectarian violence and for his inability to integrate Kurdish forces into the national army despite a U.S.-brokered agreement signed in March. The clashes highlight deep divisions that persist nearly a year after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Residents described hours of gunfire and explosions overnight, with injured civilians trapped in crossfire. While both sides have now agreed to halt hostilities, tensions remain high. The Kurdish administration accuses Damascus of neglecting minority rights, while government officials insist they must retain sole control over national security.