In a significant development in the long-running Syrian conflict, government forces have established full control over the city of Aleppo. This comes after they took charge of the Sheikh Maqsoud district on Sunday, which was the final area in the northern metropolis outside state authority.
Evacuation and Detentions Mark End of Fighting
The takeover was preceded by days of intense clashes with Kurdish fighters. According to a report from AFP citing an unnamed interior ministry official, the Syrian government evacuated more than 400 Kurdish fighters from Sheikh Maqsoud. The official specified that 360 fighters and over 59 wounded individuals were transferred overnight to Kurdish-administered regions in northeastern Syria.
In a parallel move, authorities detained approximately 300 Kurds. This group reportedly included members of Kurdish security forces. Eyewitnesses described buses filled with men leaving the neighbourhood under government security escort during the night hours.
Clashes, Drone Attack, and a Stalled Deal
The violence erupted earlier in the week after negotiations between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) broke down. The talks had stalled over the contentious issue of integrating Kurdish forces into the national army. Following the collapse, government forces launched operations and gained control of the Achrafieh and Bani Zaid districts before moving on Sheikh Maqsoud.
From early Saturday, sweeping operations urged residents to stay indoors. The clashes were fierce, with state media reporting that two encircled Kurdish fighters detonated themselves, though no other casualties were caused by these blasts. Gunfire persisted until midday on Saturday.
In a separate incident, state television reported that an explosive-laden drone struck the Aleppo governorate building. The attack occurred shortly after two cabinet ministers and a local official held a press conference there. While state TV blamed Kurdish fighters, the main Kurdish-led force denied responsibility, asserting they do not target civilian sites.
Human Cost and Regional Diplomacy
The human toll of the five-day confrontation has been heavy. At least 22 people were killed, with both sides reporting civilian deaths in areas under their control. The fighting forced a massive displacement, with more than 140,000 people fleeing their homes. Hundreds of displaced residents were later seen waiting at neighbourhood entrances, hoping to return once military operations formally concluded.
As the situation unfolded, the conflict saw another dimension. On Saturday, US and allied forces conducted large-scale strikes against Islamic State targets across Syria. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continued, with Jordan's foreign minister discussing the Aleppo situation with the US special envoy to Syria. Jordan offered support for ceasefire consolidation and ensuring a peaceful withdrawal for Kurdish fighters.
With military operations halted in Sheikh Maqsoud and the transfer of fighters underway, the Syrian government has now reasserted its authority over all of Aleppo, a city symbolic of the nation's devastating civil war.
