Syrian army takes control of east Aleppo towns as Kurdish fighters withdraw

"Syria's army says its forces have taken control of dozens of towns in the east of Aleppo governorate after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew from the areas. After driving out Kurdish forces from Aleppo city last week following deadly clashes, Syria's army deployed reinforcements near Deir Hafer and other towns, and told the SDF to evacuate the area between the town and the Euphrates river, about 30km (18 miles) further east, amid a power struggle over the disarmament of the Kurdish-led group."

"In statements to state television, Syria's army said it had taken control of 34 villages and towns east of Aleppo since it started entering the areas on Saturday morning, including the key towns of Deir Hafer and Maskana, as well as a military airport. However, it accused the SDF of violating the agreement and targeting an army patrol near Maskana, killing two soldiers. It also said it had secured the exit of more than 200 SDF organisation fighters and their weapons."

"Al Jazeera's Zein Basravi, reporting from Deir Hafer, said civilians are on their way back to the town, trying to enter it. We have seen families travelling in the backs of pick-up trucks, braving cold, rainy weather. They are arriving at mud walls set up by the SDF as roadblocks and checkpoints as part of their positions, he said, We are now seeing bulldozers moving in to clear the area, as the Syrian military attempts to establish control and carry out checks on those returning."

Syria's army captured 34 villages and towns east of Aleppo, including Deir Hafer and Maskana, and seized a military airport. The army moved into areas after Kurdish-led SDF fighters withdrew and after recent clashes in Aleppo city, deploying reinforcements and ordering the SDF to evacuate toward the Euphrates about 30km east. State media reported two soldiers killed when an army patrol was targeted near Maskana and said more than 200 SDF fighters and weapons were escorted out. The SDF accused Damascus of breaching the withdrawal agreement and reported clashes. Civilians are returning to Deir Hafer amid bulldozers and security checks, with some residents celebratory.

Read at www.aljazeera.com