Syria, SDF trade accusations over Aleppo “massacre”
Shafaq News – Aleppo (Updated at 15:49)
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which administers the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, on Saturday accused factions affiliated with the Syrian government and backed by Turkiye of committing a “massacre” near Deir Hafer in eastern Aleppo province.
According to the SDF, the assault in the village of Um Tina began with drone strikes, followed by heavy artillery shelling that directly targeted homes, killing seven civilians, including women and children, and wounding four others.
The group added that it also repelled a separate drone attack by “Damascus government gunmen” on one of its positions in Deir Hafer, forcing the attackers to retreat.
Damascus Government's Armed Groups Commit Massacre Against Civilians in Deir Hafer CountrysideOn Saturday evening, pro-Turkey factions affiliated with the Damascus government carried out a massacre against civilians in the village of Umm Tina, located in the Deir Hafer… https://t.co/HUZ3uTT2rl
— Syrian Democratic Forces (@SDF_Syria) September 20, 2025
The Syrian government, cited by SANA, dismissed the SDF’s claims, accusing the group of deliberately targeting several villages in eastern Aleppo, including Tal Maaz, Alsa, and Al-Kiyariyah, and holding it fully responsible for the recent ‘’massacre‘’ in Um Tina.
In its statement, the government further reaffirmed its commitment to defending Syrian civilians and maintaining security and stability.
Defense Ministry: SDF Shelled Aleppo Village to Falsely Accuse Syrian Army Syria’s Defense Ministry denied accusations by media outlets affiliated with the (SDF) that the Syrian Arab Army shelled the village of Umm Tina in Aleppo countryside .https://t.co/EmPz0chEY4 pic.twitter.com/23B34bPGFw
— SANAEnglishOfficial (@SANAEnOfficial) September 21, 2025
Earlier, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 11 civilians, mostly women and children, were killed or injured in government shelling on Deir Hafer. The area also experienced clashes last week between the SDF and government forces, with both sides blaming each other for destabilizing the region and targeting civilians.
