Al-tabqah: The Syrian Army announced that a senior figure linked to the PKK terror group has arrived in Al-Tabqah from northern Iraq to lead military operations for the YPG/SDF, raising concerns about potential threats to Aleppo and its eastern countryside.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that the army's Operations Command confirmed the arrival of Bahoz Erdal, described as a 'terrorist criminal' from the Qandil Mountains, to manage SDF operations against Syrian forces and civilians. The Qandil Mountains have long served as a PKK headquarters in northern Iraq.

Despite efforts to mediate and remove SDF threats in eastern Aleppo, the threat persists, with accusations against the groups for planning new attacks. The statement indicated that Iranian-made drones have been moved to Maskanah and Deir Hafer as part of preparations for assaults on Aleppo and its surroundings.

The Syrian Army also noted the influx of PKK-affiliated terrorists and remnants of the former regime into Tabqah, ready to be redeployed to strategic locations. The Operations Command emphasized the army's commitment to protecting civilians in areas exploited by the SDF and its allies, vowing to defend Syria's sovereignty against cross-border terrorists and regime remnants.

Additionally, Alikhbariah TV reported that Ali Kayali, known as Mihrac Ural or the 'Butcher of Baniyas,' has arrived in Tabqah with ex-regime forces to support the SDF against the Syrian Army. Kayali is notorious for mass killings in Baniyas and al-Bayda during the civil war's early days.

In response to the escalating tensions, the Syrian Army has bolstered its presence in eastern Aleppo, following the detection of increased SDF and regime forces near Maskanah and Deir Hafer.

In March 2025, the Syrian presidency announced an agreement for integrating the YPG/SDF into state institutions, maintaining territorial unity and opposing division attempts. Subsequent agreements in April 2025 specified the administrative status of Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods, banning armed displays and restricting SDF forces to areas east of the Euphrates. However, the SDF has been criticized for failing to adhere to these terms.

Since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, the Syrian government has intensified its efforts to restore nationwide security.