Syrian government forces moved into a key neighbourhood in the northern city of Aleppo on Saturday, following several days of intense combat with Kurdish-led fighters that resulted in significant casualties and a massive wave of displacement.
Security Sweep and Drone Attack in Aleppo
According to Syria's state news agency SANA, security personnel began widespread deployment and clearing operations in the Sheikh Maqsoud district early on Saturday. Residents were instructed to remain inside their homes for safety as gunfire continued to ring out in the area until at least noon.
The situation escalated later in the day when an explosive drone struck the Aleppo Governorate building. State television reported the attack occurred shortly after two Cabinet ministers and a local official had finished a press conference there regarding the security situation. There was no immediate report of casualties from the drone strike.
Syrian state media directly blamed Kurdish fighters for the drone attack. However, the main Kurdish-led force, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), denied the allegation. A spokesperson told the Associated Press that their forces do not target civilian sites.
Root of the Conflict and Mounting Casualties
The violent clashes first erupted last Tuesday in the Kurdish-majority neighbourhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud, Achrafieh, and Bani Zaid. The fighting broke out after negotiations between the Syrian government and the SDF reached a deadlock. The central point of contention was the proposed integration of Kurdish forces into the national army.
Government forces have since asserted control over the Achrafieh and Bani Zaid districts. Five days of relentless combat have killed at least 22 people, as reported by the AP. Both sides have reported civilian deaths within their respective areas of control. The humanitarian toll has been severe, with more than 140,000 people forced to flee their homes due to the violence.
Aftermath: Transfers, Truce, and Diplomatic Moves
In the aftermath of the clashes, Syrian authorities initiated a process to transfer Kurdish fighters from Aleppo to areas under Kurdish control in the country's northeast. This move came after some fighters announced their surrender, according to news agency AFP.
State television announced a halt to military operations in Sheikh Maqsoud. Correspondents from AFP witnessed buses, under security escort, transporting fighters out of the district. Meanwhile, hundreds of residents who had fled earlier were seen waiting at the entrances of Sheikh Maqsoud, hoping to return home once the operations concluded.
On the diplomatic front, Jordan's Foreign Minister discussed the escalating situation with the US Special Envoy to Syria. Jordan offered support for efforts to solidify a ceasefire and to ensure a peaceful withdrawal process for the Kurdish fighters from the contested areas.
