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AlMasdarNews reports: The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) is in full control of the strategic Aleppo Infantry Academy and its nearby towns after a deal was put in place between their High Command and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
In exchange for the Infantry Academy, the Syrian Arab Army agreed to let the Syrian Democratic Forces capture the key town of Al-Bab, should they reach this Islamic State stronghold before the government.
With the Aleppo Infantry Academy and its nearby towns under their control, the Syrian Armed Forces have effectively built a large buffer-zone around the northern perimeter of the Sheikh Najjar Industrial District.
In the coming days, the Syrian Armed Forces are expected to resume their military operations in eastern Aleppo; this means, they could target the remaining districts under Fateh Halab’s control or the ISIS strongholds of Al-Bab and Deir Hafer.
Al Bab held by the Kurdish would be like waving a red flag at a bull , it would draw Turkey in .
However held by SAA , it would be a sovereign block . That said , one can understand the logistical wisdom of allowing the Kurdish to “soften up” the ISIS forces present , as Aleppo still needs a “clean-up” . Big Respect for the Afrin Kurds and the SAA coming into agreement .
I think someone is looking to draw the Turks in. Drawing the Turks and their FSA friends into a fight with an increasingly better equipped YPG, while demonstrating to the YPG what useless allies the Americans are, especially against their foremost enemy, serves a number of purposes.