Agreement Between the Kurds and the Syrian Government: SDF Forces Withdraw from Aleppo

Following the onset of armed clashes in Aleppo, prior to the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government, a contingent of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was deployed to the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods, where the majority of residents are Kurds.

After the fall of Assad’s regime and the city’s capture by Tahrir al-Sham and its allies, the SDF maintained their presence in these areas and engaged in ongoing clashes with militant groups. Consequently, Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah have experienced numerous armed confrontations in recent months. However, these clashes have significantly decreased following an agreement between Mazloum Abdi and Abu Muhammad al-Julani.

With tensions lowered and clashes ceased, members of the Civil Council representing Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods held a meeting with representatives of the Syrian government. During this meeting, the parties signed an agreement consisting of 14 clauses regarding the status of the aforementioned neighborhoods.

The provisions of the agreement are as follows:

1. Neighborhood Status: Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah are recognized as part of Aleppo city and are administratively affiliated with it. Ensuring the protection of both neighborhoods is essential for promoting peaceful living.
2. Temporary Nature: This agreement is temporary and will remain in effect until a permanent arrangement is established by joint committees.
3. Security Responsibility: The Syrian Ministry of Interior and the Internal Security Forces will be responsible for the protection of these neighborhoods.
4. Weapon Prohibition: To maintain security and tranquility, carrying weapons within these neighborhoods is prohibited. Only the Internal Security Forces under the oversight of the Syrian Ministry of Interior are authorized to possess weapons.
5. Public Road Access: All public roads will remain open, and the main checkpoints will be controlled by the Syrian Internal Security Forces until conditions stabilize in these neighborhoods.
6. Withdrawal of Armed Elements: Armed elements present in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah must withdraw to areas east of the Euphrates River.
7. Establishment of Security Centers: Two centers affiliated with the Syrian Internal Security Forces will be established in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods.
8. Freedom of Movement: Residents of these neighborhoods will be allowed free movement, and no one not involved in crimes against Syrians should be detained.
9. Coordination Committee: A coordination committee will be created to facilitate movement between Aleppo city and the northern and eastern regions of Syria.
10. Implementation Committees: Committees will be established in both neighborhoods to oversee the implementation of this agreement.
11. Civil Institutions Coordination: All civil institutions in these neighborhoods will coordinate with other civil entities. They will assist other institutions and provide services through the two branches of the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah municipalities, without discrimination.
12. Prisoner Release and Exchange: Prisoners from both sides will be released, and all individuals detained after the liberation of the city will be exchanged.
13. Representation in Local Governance: Representatives from Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah will participate in the Aleppo Governorate Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and all other relevant departments in accordance with existing laws.
14. Continued Operation of Local Councils: All service, executive, educational, municipal, and local councils in these neighborhoods will continue to function until a permanent agreement is finalized by the joint committees.

In accordance with the sixth provision of the agreement, the withdrawal of the Syrian Democratic Forces from Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah began yesterday, with the SDF leaving the neighborhoods armed. Furthermore, as stipulated in the twelfth clause, a total of 146 prisoners from Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah, along with 97 individuals affiliated with the Syrian government, were released by both sides.