Clashes between Syrian government forces and Kurdish fighters in Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh districts concluded with a ceasefire agreement and the withdrawal of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from the city. The hostilities, which began earlier in the week, resulted in civilian fatalities and the displacement of tens of thousands of residents. Syrian army forces have now deployed in the areas previously under SDF control, with the agreement facilitated through international mediation.
Escalation of Clashes and Displacement
Clashes in the Kurdish-majority neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, and in Bani Zaid, reportedly began on Tuesday. These confrontations were described as the most intense in the country for over six months. Reports on fatalities varied, with some sources indicating at least 12, and others reporting figures up to 22. Tens of thousands of civilians were displaced, with some reports indicating over 140,000 individuals departing the affected areas. Both the Syrian government and Kurdish forces attributed responsibility for initiating the fighting to the other side.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Syrian army shelled Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, having designated them "closed military areas." The Syrian government stated its operation was a response to attacks by armed groups and aimed at "preserving security." The SDF, however, denied any military presence in Aleppo, characterizing the government's actions as an attempt to forcibly displace residents. Residents reported leaving their homes due to intensified shelling, with some taking shelter in mosques or relocating to other towns.
On Thursday, clashes continued for a third day. The Syrian Army Operations Command enacted a curfew at 1:30 PM (10:30 GMT) in Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Bani Zaid, after which government forces initiated operations against SDF positions. Civilian displacement continued, with residents evacuating through humanitarian corridors facilitated by the Syrian army.
Ceasefire Proposals and Negotiations
On Friday, the Syrian government declared a ceasefire effective 3 AM local time and announced a humanitarian corridor from 4 PM to 6 PM (1300-1500 GMT) to allow civilians to depart. The proposed terms mandated that Kurdish fighters withdraw from the contested neighborhoods, with safe passage to SDF-controlled north-east Syria, allowing fighters to retain light arms. Kurdish councils overseeing Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh rejected these calls, describing them as "a call to surrender," and affirmed their intent to defend their neighborhoods, reporting intensive shelling by government forces. An earlier ceasefire proposal this week had also been unsuccessful. Reports from Aleppo indicated a cessation of fighting overnight Friday, with government security forces releasing videos depicting clearing operations in some neighborhoods and inspections of tunnels.
Resolution and Withdrawal
Early Sunday morning, a ceasefire agreement was announced, leading to the withdrawal of the final Kurdish fighters from Aleppo. Mazloum Abdi, leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), confirmed that the agreement was reached through international mediation. This agreement facilitated the safe evacuation of "martyrs, the wounded, the trapped civilians and the fighters" from the city. Buses transporting SDF members were observed departing from the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood.
Following the evacuation, Syrian army forces took control of the Kurdish-dominated districts, deploying in neighborhoods that had been under SDF control for several years. Reporters observed men, women, and children boarding buses under Syrian army supervision for transport to displacement camps. Approximately 100 men identified as Kurdish internal Asayesh security forces were also transported by bus, though the Asayesh later stated these individuals were civilians being forcibly displaced. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi urged mediators to fulfill their commitments to stop violations and support the safe return of displaced residents.
Broader Context and International Involvement
The recent violence in Aleppo occurred amidst stalled negotiations aimed at integrating Kurdish groups into a new Syrian government framework. Relations between the Syrian government in Damascus and the SDF, which controls approximately one-third of Syria's territory, had declined in recent months. An agreement from last March, intended to integrate SDF administration and military into the Syrian government by year-end, had not been implemented.
The government in Damascus has referred to the SDF as a separatist entity. Conversely, the SDF has expressed concerns regarding the safety of ethnic and religious minorities under the new government. Both parties exchanged accusations of committing war crimes during the recent conflict; the SDF asserted Damascus engaged in forced displacement, while the government alleged the SDF utilized civilians as human shields.
International actors have also been involved. The United States supports the SDF and has attempted to facilitate a merger between the SDF and the new government without significant progress. International mediation was reported during the recent clashes, with US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack engaging with officials. Barrack called for an end to the fighting from both sides, urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and a resumption of dialogue. He reiterated the US objective of a sovereign, unified Syria where all citizens experience equality, justice, and opportunity. Turkey, a supporter of the Syrian government, considers the SDF an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and has indicated its readiness to assist the Syrian government if requested. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the "SDF’s insistence on protecting what it has at all costs is the biggest obstacle to achieving peace and stability in Syria."