A fragile calm has returned to Aleppo, northern Syria, following a day of intense clashes between Syrian government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The fighting, which erupted on Monday, resulted in casualties and injuries among civilians, raising concerns about the stability of the region.
What triggered the escalation? Reports indicate that the SDF initiated a sudden barrage of shelling targeting several districts within Aleppo, including Al-Jamilia, Bustan al-Basha, Al-Midan, Al-Suryan, and Al-Sabeel. Sniper activity was also reported in the Lairamoun and Al-Sheehan areas north of the city.
These neighborhoods border the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh districts, where SDF forces maintain a presence. According to a Syrian security source, the SDF attempted to advance on security forces positions, marking a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Simultaneously, reports emerged that all roads leading to the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods were blocked due to the clashes. Tensions have also reportedly spread to eastern Syria, with the SDF allegedly deploying military reinforcements to the village of Ghanem al-Ali, near Syrian army-controlled areas in the Raqqa countryside. This deployment coincided with drone activity over the Syrian army-held town of Maadan.
The SDF’s media center countered these claims, stating that factions affiliated with the Syrian Ministry of Defense attacked a checkpoint in the Al-Sheehan area of Aleppo. They further alleged that these factions launched a heavy assault using heavy and medium weapons on the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods after targeting an Internal Security Forces checkpoint.
Casualties and Damage: Reports from the Aleppo Health Information Office and Syrian media indicate that the death toll from the clashes has risen to four civilians, with 15 others injured, including journalists covering the events. The Syrian Interior Ministry attributed the casualties to indiscriminate shelling and sniper fire by SDF forces targeting residential areas of Aleppo.
The SDF media center reported one woman killed and 17 people injured due to rocket and tank shelling from the Syrian army’s side.
The situation remains tense, and DZWatch continues to monitor developments closely.
