DAMASCUS — The Syrian army announced on Saturday that it has taken full military control of the city of Deir Hafir in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, following the withdrawal of YPG/SDF forces toward areas east of the Euphrates River.

The army’s Operations Command said in a statement carried by the Syrian Arab News Agency that its forces had fully established control over the city and were working to secure it and clear landmines and remnants of war.

The command added that army units have begun advancing toward neighboring areas, including Maskanah and Dibsi Afnan, located west of the Euphrates.

Earlier on Saturday, the Syrian army announced that its forces had started entering areas west of the Euphrates, beginning with Deir Hafir, amid the withdrawal of YPG/SDF elements from the area.

The army also urged civilians to avoid designated military operation zones until they are fully secured, citing safety concerns related to unexploded ordnance and war debris.

The developments came after a senior YPG/SDF figure said armed elements would withdraw to regions east of the Euphrates starting early Saturday morning. — Agencies