Ceasefire Between SDF and al-Joulani Government in Aleppo

On December 21, the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in Aleppo witnessed armed confrontations between SDF units and pro-government forces. The exchanges of fire subsided after several hours, leaving a fragile calm over these districts.

Media outlets close to Damascus claimed that SDF fighters used machine guns, RPGs, and mortars to target parts of Ashrafieh and the area stretching from Sheihan Square to al-Layramoun Square. According to these reports, the intensity of the clashes forced dozens of families and factory workers to flee the vicinity of al-Layramoun.

Meanwhile, the SDF media center stated that two of its fighters were wounded when Damascus-aligned forces attacked a checkpoint at Sheihan Square. The center held the Damascus government directly responsible, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to the city’s security and the lives of civilians.

In another statement, the SDF reported that following the checkpoint attack, pro-government forces launched heavy and semi-heavy assaults on Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. Local residents, alongside internal security units, resisted these attacks.

At the same time, several Syrian Arab tribes released videos and statements on social media openly declaring support for the Damascus government. Tribal leaders announced their readiness to mobilize manpower and resources to confront the SDF.

Local reports confirmed that at least one woman was killed and around 20 others injured in the clashes. Both sides accused each other of initiating the attacks and escalating tensions. These developments have heightened concerns over the security implications for civilians and the overall stability of Aleppo.