ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Fighting has intensified across northern Syria as armed opposition factions, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and the Syrian government vie for strategic positions in an increasingly volatile conflict.

In Tal Rifaat, north of Aleppo, armed groups entered several neighborhoods, sparking clashes with SDF on Sunday. Meanwhile, the SDF sent reinforcements to Manbij and nearby areas in northeastern Aleppo, anticipating further attacks from opposition factions.

The UK-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the opposition groups had taken control of Tal Rifaat and a number of villages nearby.

Adding to the tension, Turkish artillery strikes reportedly knocked the Tal Tamr power station in SDF-controlled Hasakah countryside out of service, exacerbating civilian hardships as the area grapples with intermittent electricity and water shortages.

Armed opposition groups issued a statement on Sunday directed at SDF units in Aleppo, offering a safe withdrawal from the city toward northeastern Syria.

“We are fighting the criminal [Bashar al-]Assad regime and pushing Iranian militias away from our cities and villages to ensure the safety of our people and their peaceful return,” the statement read. The factions emphasized that Syrian Kurds are an integral part of the nation, pledging to protect Kurdish communities in Aleppo, including the Kurdish-majority neighborhood of Sheikh Maqsoud, and ensure their rights and security.

The opposition's self-proclaimed Syrian Salvation Government on Sunday issued a statement assuring the people and government of Iraq that they will not become "a source of anxiety and tension in the region," after Baghdad officials repeatedly voiced concern over the escalations and their repercussions on Iraq.

“The Syrian revolution is a movement for freedom and dignity, aimed at liberating Syrians from the tyranny of the Assad regime. It poses no threat to Iraq's security or stability, nor to any other country in the region,” read the statement.

The opposition said they are committed to strengthening "brotherly ties" with neighboring Iraq and working toward shared interests, which it said required “continued cooperation and understanding” between the two sides.

Earlier in the day, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani chaired an emergency meeting of the National Security Council to discuss regional developments, especially the conflict in Syria, commending measures taken by the border forces to protect Iraq's borders with Syria, and stressing need to continue monitoring the situation.

Meanwhile, the Syrian army has advanced in its offensive in the Hama countryside, reclaiming most villages in the area. Troops are also working to secure the Athriya-Khanasir-Safira route in southern Aleppo, a vital supply line.

The government reiterated its commitment to regaining control of all Syrian territory, vowing to continue operations against armed groups and opposition-held areas.