The Syrian army’s artillery shelled positions held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) early Thursday in the Maadan desert area east of Raqqa, following what Damascus described as a surprise attack on its military posts.

According to Syrian state TV, heavy clashes erupted after SDF units targeted Syrian army positions. Anadolu Agency, citing local sources, reported that several Syrian soldiers were killed in the attack, though no specific figures were released.

On October 29, SDF forces had previously targeted a Syrian army post near Tishreen Dam east of Aleppo with a guided missile, killing two soldiers and seriously injuring a third.

Syria’s Ministry of Defense said the SDF continues to reject all previous agreements, including the March 10 agreement, which stipulated the integration of SDF units into the Syrian army. The ministry accused the group of undermining understandings and escalating tensions by repeatedly attacking army positions.