Escalating Tensions in Aleppo
US Issues Direct Warning to Al-Sharaa as Aleppo Burns
Tension peaks in Northern Syria as US Commander Adm. Brad Cooper urges government forces to stop their advance between Aleppo and al-Tabqa. Is this a final warning to Al-Sharaa before the US intervenes?
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a public statement urging Syrian government forces to halt any offensive actions in areas between Aleppo and al-Tabqa, amid reports of escalating clashes targeting Kurdish-held neighborhoods in northern Syria.
The message, attributed to CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper, was framed by some observers as a direct warning to Syria's new leader, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani (also known as Ahmed al-Sharaa), whose Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces have been accused of pressuring Kurdish positions.
The full statement reads: "We welcome ongoing efforts by all parties in Syria to prevent escalation and pursue resolution through dialogue. We also urge Syrian government forces to cease any offensive actions in areas between Aleppo and al-Tabqa. Aggressively pursuing ISIS and relentlessly applying military pressure requires teamwork among Syrian partners in coordination with U.S. and coalition forces. A Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors is essential to peace and stability across the region."
This comes amid sharp escalations in Aleppo's Kurdish-majority districts of Sheikh Maqsud and Ashrafiyeh, where Syrian forces, backed by HTS, have been accused of violations against civilians, prompting U.S. concerns over human rights and regional stability.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reached a ceasefire agreement mediated by international parties, allowing evacuation of civilians, wounded, and fighters from the besieged areas to northeastern Syria (Rojava).
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (Jolani) has reiterated calls for Kurdish integration into national institutions under a March 2025 agreement, emphasizing unity while deploying reinforcements east of Aleppo.
U.S. lawmakers, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, have warned against alignments between Syria and Turkey targeting Kurds, viewing it as a threat to U.S. interests and the fight against ISIS.
Analysts suggest Turkey's influence may be pushing Damascus to weaken Kurdish autonomy.
The U.S. has not intervened militarily but continues monitoring, with CENTCOM stressing dialogue and restraint.