Security Agreement Reached for Kurdish Neighborhoods in Syria’s Aleppo
By Kardo Roj
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – A crucial security and administrative agreement has been reached between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and Syrian government representatives regarding the governance of Kurdish-majority neighborhoods in Aleppo.
Badran Ciya Kurd, a senior AANES official, announced the agreement via his social media account, describing it as “a significant step towards enhancing stability and coexistence.” The deal primarily concerns the Sheikh Maqsoud (East and West) and Ashrafiya neighborhoods, which have long been under a special governance arrangement.
The agreement ensures the full preservation of these neighborhoods’ administrative, security, and service-related autonomy while coordinating with relevant city institutions. A key provision stipulates that the local security forces (Asayish) will maintain their presence at checkpoints in coordination with Syria’s Ministry of Interior, preventing interference from external armed groups.
Additionally, the deal includes a full prisoner exchange between both parties and guarantees the continuation of the existing educational system until broader decisions are made for northern and eastern Syria.
Another critical point is the recognition of representation for these neighborhoods in Aleppo’s provincial council, Chamber of Commerce, and other key institutions, ensuring equitable access to public services without discrimination.
The agreement follows extensive negotiations between the new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Shar’, and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Commander Mazloum Abdi. It signals a step towards greater cooperation between AANES and Damascus while maintaining the local governance structure of these neighborhoods.
Ciya Kurd emphasized that the Syrian authorities in Aleppo will be responsible for addressing any security threats to these districts while ensuring collaborative efforts to mitigate risks. He also highlighted that this agreement is part of a broader plan, with ongoing discussions about facilitating the safe return of Afrin residents displaced by Turkish-backed forces in 2018.
This development could reshape power dynamics in Aleppo, reinforcing Kurdish self-governance while opening pathways for further negotiations between AANES and Damascus on larger regional issues.
As tensions persist in northern Syria, this agreement could serve as a model for further stabilization efforts. However, its success will depend on the commitment of all parties to uphold the terms, particularly in security cooperation and service delivery.
With AANES seeking greater formal recognition within Syria’s political framework, this deal may represent the first step in broader discussions regarding the future of self-administration in northeastern Syria.