Clashes broke out in northern Syria as senior Turkish officials visited Damascus ahead of a deadline to implement a deal integrating Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the new Syrian army.

Axar.az, citing AP, reports that fighting in Aleppo’s Kurdish neighborhoods killed civilians and wounded dozens before both sides announced a halt to fire.

The violence underscored deep disagreements over how the SDF should be absorbed into the army, with Turkiye opposing its integration as a unified force.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged the SDF to stop delaying the process, while Syrian officials accused the group of procrastination.

Tensions are rising as the end-of-year deadline approaches, amid warnings of possible military escalation if no progress is made.