Two members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were injured in a drone attack on Tuesday afternoon. According to the SDF Press Center, the attack was carried out during a humanitarian mission to provide aid to wounded civilians in the area surrounding the town of Deir Hafer near Aleppo.
The SDF holds troops of the Syrian transitional government responsible for the attack with a suicide drone. Before the drone attack, the government forces had fired on a residential area near Deir Hafer, resulting in two injuries among the civilian population. While attempting to evacuate them, the SDF members were deliberately targeted.
A serious escalation
In its statement, the SDF described the attack as a “serious escalation” and accused the government in Damascus of a clear violation of international law. “The targeted attack on medical teams and evacuation points constitutes a flagrant violation of all applicable conventions. The Syrian government bears responsibility for the escalation and its possible consequences, particularly with regard to the safety of the civilian population and the stability of the region,” the SDF said.
SDF announces further protective measures
Late on Monday evening, artillery attacks were carried out near the Tishrin Dam on the villages of Haj Hussein and Sheikh Mahshi as well as on the “Syriatel” hill. Despite the attacks, the SDF reaffirmed its intention to continue providing humanitarian aid and protecting the population from military attacks. At the same time, “we reserve the right to take all necessary measures to defend ourselves and ward off future attacks,” it added.
Repeated provocations
The town of Deir Hafer is located east of Aleppo and south of Manbij, which has been occupied by Turkey and its jihadist partners since the end of 2024. The region is considered a sensitive contact line between the areas controlled by Damascus and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, whose defense forces are the SDF. In recent weeks, there have been repeated provocations and ceasefire violations by Damascus troops and their allies.