15 injured in Aleppo protests over neighborhood access closures
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – At least 15 people suffered injuries from tear gas and suffocation during protests in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods on Monday evening. Demonstrators gathered in response to the closure of neighborhood entrances by Syria’s transitional government.
According to the Co-Chair of the Neighborhood Councils, Hevin Suleiman, tensions began earlier in the day when the entrances to Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh were blocked, preventing residents from entering the neighborhoods.
A North Press correspondent reported that “residents of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh protested in front of the earth barrier near the al-Jazeera checkpoint.” He added that “during the gathering, government forces used hot water, pepper spray, and tear gas against the protesters, causing at least 15 cases of fainting and suffocation.”
The correspondent also noted that the government deployed additional public order units to disperse protesters. Despite these measures, demonstrators remained at the scene at the time of reporting.
The events highlight ongoing tensions in Aleppo over local governance and freedom of movement. The Syrian Democratic Council and local civil bodies have previously stressed the importance of safeguarding residents’ access to neighborhoods as part of broader efforts to maintain stability and public trust.
No fatalities were reported, but security conditions remain tense as residents and local councils seek clarity on the status of the neighborhood entrances.