In a significant escalation of hostilities, the Syrian army has intensified strikes on Kurdish-held regions in Aleppo following the refusal of Kurdish fighters to vacate these areas under a recently declared ceasefire. The Syrian Army’s Operations Command launched its military actions in the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood on Friday evening, coinciding with the expiration of the ultimatum for Kurdish forces to retreat to their semi-autonomous region in the northeast, a move aimed at stabilizing the contentious city.
Earlier on the same day, Syria’s Ministry of Defence had proclaimed a temporary ceasefire. This declaration followed three days of fierce clashes that arose after attempts to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the state structure faltered. Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s government, the ongoing battles represent some of the most intense violence seen in Aleppo in recent months.
The Kurdish councils controlling Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh districts dismissed the ceasefire as an unjust demand for surrender and committed to defending their territories, which have been under their control since the onset of the civil war in 2011. In response, the Syrian army warned residents of renewed military action and urged those affected to utilize a designated humanitarian corridor for evacuation.
Conflicting reports from both sides have surfaced regarding the civilian toll and circumstances of the conflict. The SDF released footage alleging that artillery and drone strikes targeted the Khaled Fajr Hospital, accusing Syrian government-affiliated factions of committing violations of international law. In a contrasting narrative, the Syrian state news agency claimed the hospital was being used as a weapons depot.
As the violence unfolded, there were reports of significant casualties, with at least 22 individuals confirmed dead and over 170 injured, demonstrating the urgent humanitarian need in the region, where approximately 159,000 people have been displaced.
The tensions highlight deep-rooted divisions within Syria, particularly between the Kurdish forces and President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government. A previously established agreement aimed at aiding the Kurds in integrating with the Syrian Defense Ministry has seen little progress, contributing to the prevailing distrust that hampers peace efforts.
In a related context, dialogue continues between leaders in the region. President al-Sharaa spoke with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, vowing to eliminate what he termed illegal armed presences in Aleppo. Turkey’s Defence Minister expressed support for Syria’s actions, viewing the security of both nations as interconnected.
The ongoing escalation has raised alarms among minority communities, with a spokesperson for the United Nations expressing serious concern about the current violence and urging all parties to return to negotiations, reiterating calls for a unified Syria where all factions can coexist peacefully.
The situation in Aleppo underscores the complex tapestry of Syrian society, characterized by its diverse ethnic and religious groups, and the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach towards lasting peace in the region. The involvement of international actors attempting to mediate the conflict emphasizes the global imperative for stability in a historically rich yet tumultuous area.
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