SDF says fighters trapped in Dayr Hafir, Maskanah after Damascus attack

The entrance to the town of Dayr Hafir in the east of Aleppo, northern Syria – North Press
The entrance to the town of Dayr Hafir in the east of Aleppo, northern Syria – North Press

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said on Saturday that a number of its fighters remain besieged in the towns of Dayr Hafir and Maskanah in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, accusing the Damascus government of betraying and violating an internationally sponsored agreement.

In a statement issued by the SDF Media Center, the force said that under the deal, its units were granted a 48-hour window to complete their withdrawal from the two towns.  

However, it alleged that Damascus broke the agreement and launched attacks on SDF fighters using tanks before the deadline expired.

“As a result of Damascus’s treachery and breach of the agreement, groups of our fighters are still surrounded in Deir Hafir and Maskanah,” the statement said.

The SDF held the Damascus government and the international powers sponsoring the agreement “fully responsible” for the safety and lives of the besieged fighters.

It demanded guarantees that its forces be allowed to withdraw safely, with their weapons, to areas in North and East Syria.

Local sources told North Press that military movements and clashes have intensified around both towns over the past 24 hours, deepening fears among residents of further violence and displacement.

By Malin Mohammed