Aleppo on Edge: Ceasefire Pauses Armed Clashes
After two nights of armed confrontations between Syrian government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Aleppo’s Kurdish neighborhoods of Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud, hostilities have now ceased. The pause follows an SDF request to initiate negotiations and propose a ceasefire.
Earlier, the Syrian Army uncovered and destroyed a tunnel between Ashrafiyeh and al-Sabeel neighbourhood, suspected of being used for smuggling weapons or sabotage. In response, Syrian security forces set up checkpoints around the area to prevent further SDF infiltration.
Read: Clashes Between Syrian Army and SDF in Eastern Aleppo
Despite heightened security, SDF fighters disguised as civilians attacked government checkpoints, killing one and injuring three. The Syrian Army deployed reinforcements, and SDF retaliated with mortar strikes on parts of Aleppo.
Sources close to the Jolani-led administration confirm that while fighting has stopped, tensions remain high. Damascus has conditioned talks on the full withdrawal of SDF forces from Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud, the handover of wanted individuals, and restoration of full government control.
Unofficial reports suggest a possible U.S.-brokered meeting between Syrian officials and SDF representatives to explore integrating SDF units into Syria’s Ministry of Defense and transferring control of eastern Euphrates regions to the central government.
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