SDF redeploy after international mediation and as Syrian government offers humanitarian corridors for fleeing civilians.
RIYADH — The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced a unilateral withdrawal from positions east of Aleppo on Friday, in a significant de-escalation move following international mediation and rising fears of a major military confrontation with Syrian government troops.
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi stated the forces would pull back beginning at 7 a.m. local time on Saturday and redeploy to areas east of the Euphrates River. He cited calls from “friendly countries and mediators” as the reason for the withdrawal.
The announcement came hours after a U.S. military delegation visited the town of Deir Hafer and met with SDF officials, in what appeared to be an effort to ease tensions. The United States maintains relations with both the SDF and, to a lesser extent, Syrian government forces, and has publicly urged restraint.
Shortly before the SDF statement, interim Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa issued a decree aimed at strengthening Kurdish rights, a move viewed as a potential confidence-building measure.
The region had been on edge for days, with reports of limited exchanges of fire and a growing civilian exodus. Hundreds of families were seen fleeing toward government-held areas in northern Syria ahead of an anticipated Syrian army offensive. Many used back roads after the SDF-controlled checkpoint on the main highway in Deir Hafer reportedly blocked passage.
The Syrian military had earlier announced the opening of a “humanitarian corridor” to allow civilians to evacuate, initially for Thursday and then extended through Friday, accusing the SDF of preventing departures.
Men, women, and children arrived in government territory in vehicles packed with belongings, where local officials directed them to temporary shelters.
The U.S. military did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the withdrawal or the diplomatic efforts behind it.
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