Kurdish Forces Devastated Syrian Troops With Drones, But Lost Ground (Videos)

Illustrative image.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) inflicted heavy losses on the forces of the Islamist-led Syrian Transitional Government (STG) but lost ground in both Aleppo and al-Hasakah.

Government forces launched attacks in both governorates on January 26, just two days into a 15-day ceasefire that was announced as a part of a wider understanding with the SDF meant to facilitate the implementation of the January 18 merger agreement.

In Aleppo, the STG attacked the towns of Kharab al-Ashiq and al-Jalabiyah, located to the southeast of the town of Kobani in the eastern countryside of the governorate.

SDF drone units inflicted heavy losses on government forces, destroying two main battle tanks and several armored vehicles. The attack was not a complete failure, however, as government forces managed to capture the Lafarge cement plant right to the south of Kharab al-Ashiq.

STG forces took similar losses while attacking the town of al-Safa in the eastern al-Hasakah countryside, with SDF drone units targeting several gatherings of troops. Still, the government eventually imposed control of al-Safa and its surroundings.

While some Syrian activists claim that some 36 government troops were killed, others put the toll at over 120. One of those killed was a senior officer from the army’s 42nd Division, Abu Musab Shanan.

The SDF, from its side, mourned four of its fighters, and said that one of them blew himself up in an armored vehicle of STG forces.

Clashes continued in Aleppo and al-Hasakah on January 27, although at a much lower rate. Reports indicate, however, that both sides are bringing in reinforcements and preparing for another round of fighting.

Despite recent violations, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany issued a joint statement welcoming the ceasefire between the STG and the SDF.

“We urge all external parties to join us in pursuit of peace and de-escalation of violence,” said the statement that was issued on January 27 following a meeting between French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, German Deputy Foreign Minister Serap Guler, and US Special Envoy Tom Barrack.

The two sides will reportedly hold direct talks soon. However, progress is not guaranteed, especially that the STG buildup around Kurdish areas in Aleppo and al-Hasakah indicate that it wants to defeat the SDF on the battlefield, instead of merging with it.

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