Aleppo, Syria – The Syrian army has declared the towns of Maskana and Deir Hafer in eastern Aleppo as closed military zones, following concerns over Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) regrouping in the area. The move comes after the SDF destroyed three bridges connecting areas under their control to government-held territories, escalating tensions in the region.

Bridges Destroyed Amid Rising Tensions

A military source told Al Jazeera on Tuesday that the destruction of the bridges was part of the SDF’s efforts to isolate their forces after days of deadly clashes in Aleppo. The move followed the withdrawal of SDF fighters from Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods, where intense fighting with Syrian government troops had recently taken place.

Al Jazeera correspondent Ayman Oghanna, reporting from Damascus, described the situation as a “very dangerous escalation,” noting that the Syrian army is redeploying troops in rural eastern Aleppo, preparing for potential confrontations with remaining SDF units.

Syrian Army’s Military Zones and Warnings

The Syrian Army Operations Authority issued statements urging armed groups in Maskana and Deir Hafer to move east of the Euphrates River, claiming that Iranian-made drones were being launched from the area against civilian targets in Aleppo. The military accused the SDF of assembling forces in rural Aleppo alongside remnants of the Assad regime militias and fighters from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

The army emphasized it would take all necessary measures to prevent armed groups from using these areas as bases for what it described as “criminal military operations” and warned civilians to avoid the affected regions.

SDF Withdrawal from Aleppo

The departure of the last SDF fighters from Aleppo occurred on Sunday, January 11, 2026, following a ceasefire agreement that allowed evacuations to northeastern Syria, where the SDF governs a semi-autonomous zone.

The intense clashes last week were linked to stalled negotiations over the integration of SDF forces and Kurdish-run institutions into the Syrian state, following an agreement reached in March 2025. The fighting highlighted the fragility of political accords between the Syrian government and Kurdish authorities.

Conflicting Claims Over Military Movements

While the Syrian army reported increased SDF deployments east of Aleppo, the Kurdish group denied any unusual military preparations, stating that movements were limited to civilians bringing the wounded from Aleppo to northern and eastern Syria.

According to SANA, the official Syrian news agency, Syrian troops were seen advancing toward deployment lines near Maskana and Deir Hafer, signaling that the army is consolidating control over the contested countryside.

Regional Implications and Security Concerns

Oghanna warned that tensions in eastern Aleppo could spark a broader conflict across northeastern Syria. With the SDF estimated to field between 50,000 to 100,000 fighters, it remains the largest non-state actor in the country, capable of significant resistance.

The destruction of the bridges could complicate Syrian government operations by isolating SDF forces, while also preventing immediate engagement from army units, potentially prolonging instability in the area.

Conclusion

The declaration of Maskana and Deir Hafer as closed military zones underscores the growing volatility in rural Aleppo following the SDF’s withdrawal from the city. The region now faces heightened security risks, with civilians caught in the crossfire between Syrian government forces and remaining Kurdish-led militias. Observers warn that without renewed negotiations and de-escalation, the situation could escalate into broader clashes across northeastern Syria, threatening fragile post-conflict recovery efforts.