Unrest claims lives in Syria

TT

Published 22.34

 

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (left) and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani at a press conference on Monday. Photo: Ghaith Alsayed/AP/TT

Clashes between Syrian security forces and Kurdish militant groups have erupted as a deal between the government in Damascus and Kurdish groups is being discussed.

Violence was reported from the city of Aleppo, where at least two civilians were killed in rocket fire. Many residents fled their homes as the clashes intensified. At least 15 people were reported injured, according to Syria's state news agency Sana.

The Syrian government's defense minister called on the military to cease fire late on Monday. Representatives of the Kurdish forces, known as the SDF, also urged their fighters not to respond to attacks.

According to the SDF, one woman was killed and 17 people were injured.

It is unclear what led to the clashes, and both sides accuse the other of opening fire first.

The unrest broke out at the same time as Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was in Damascus for talks on, among other things, how the Kurdish militant groups should be incorporated into the Syrian military.

Fidan met with the Syrian transitional government's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. The agenda also included the joint fight against the terrorist movement IS and Israel's military attacks in southern Syria.

“Stability in Syria means stability in Turkey,” Fidan said at a joint appearance, and then accused the Kurdish SDF of counteracting positive developments in Syria.