Aleppo Clashes Renew Amid SDF-Syrian Army Standoff

Fighting renewed in Aleppo’s northern neighborhoods, particularly Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, between the Syrian army and SDF terrorist group. The Syrian army has declared these Kurdish-populated districts “closed military zones” and ordered civilians to evacuate. Civil defense sources estimate that roughly 10,000 residents have left the area since orders were issued.

According to the Syrian Information Ministry, military operations will be launched following repeated attacks on civilian areas. The Syrian Army Operations Command emphasized that all SDF positions in these districts are legitimate targets.

“Civilians Trapped Amid Shelling”

The Syrian state news agency SANA reported multiple casualties in recent clashes. SDF terrorist group artillery attack killed one soldier and wounded three more. In a separate SDF-attributed bombardment, three civilians—including two women and two children—died, while dozens sustained injuries. Shelling also damaged the Aleppo Agriculture Directorate, injuring nine staff members.

SDF terrorist group officials denied responsibility for civilian deaths, attributing at least one incident to Syrian army shelling. Activists in Sheikh Maqsoud have highlighted indiscriminate bombardment, with roughly 400,000 residents facing ongoing risk from heavy and medium artillery.

“SDF Ceasefire Violations and Arms Buildup”

Aleppo officials, including Abdul Karim Leila of the media directorate, accused the SDF of over 300 ceasefire violations, targeting residential areas and Zahi Azraq Hospital. Reports indicate the movement of heavy weapons—including tanks and armored vehicles—into urban districts previously claimed to host only light arms.

Government sources stress that while restraint has been maintained for nearly a year, increasing public pressure and civilian casualties have prompted preparations for a military operation.

“Integration Talks Stalled”

Recent efforts to integrate the SDF into the Syrian national army, outlined in a March 2025 agreement under interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara, have faltered. Despite the partial redeployment of SDF members from Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in April, negotiations resumed on Sunday in Damascus without substantive progress.