QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) condemned on Monday the attack carried out by factions affiliated with the Syrian transitional government on the Kurdish-majority neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh in the city of Aleppo, northern Syria.
Local sources told North Press that at least 15 people of the Kurds suffered suffocation after government forces used tear gas to disperse residents protesting the closure of the neighborhoods’ entrances. A government source reported the killing of three members of the government’s security forces and four civilians in addition to the injury of others following the escalation of clashes and shelling in the area.
SDF denies presence in Aleppo
In a statement, the SDF said that the escalation in Aleppo “is a direct result of the provocations of the transitional government factions and their attempts to advance with tanks and armored vehicles.” The statement denied allegations that SDF fighters had targeted government checkpoints around the neighborhoods, stressing that their forces have not been present in the area since their withdrawal under an agreement reached on April 1.
The SDF added that the neighborhoods have been suffering from a “stifling siege” imposed by government forces, who “cut off aid and medical supplies, kidnapped residents, and continued provocations at checkpoints.” The statement said that Damascus government forces recently tried to advance using heavy weapons and drones, causing civilian casualties and property damage.
“We hold the Damascus government fully and directly responsible for the continued stifling siege and systematic violations against civilians, as well as for the recent dangerous escalation, which exacerbates the suffering of the population, threatens stability in the region, and reveals its deliberate disregard for people’s lives and dignity,” the SDF said, calling on international and humanitarian organizations to take urgent action to end the blockade and protect civilians.
“The assault reflects a racist policy”
For its part, the AANES condemned the attack by the transitional government factions, describing it as “a blatant violation against the people of Afrin, who were forcibly displaced from their homes and are now facing renewed suffering in Aleppo.”
The AANES said that the assault on Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh “reflects a racist policy and a continuation of the divisive approach adopted by the Syrian transitional government,” warning that such actions could lead Syria into “irreversible catastrophe.” The AANES urged all “free and honorable Syrians” and international organizations to stand with the residents and stop the violence.
The Internal Security Forces (Asayish) in the two neighborhoods announced that their members repelled a wide-scale attack launched by the transitional government’s forces on several fronts around Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh, including the al-Jalaa axis, al-Jazira checkpoint, and the al-Yunani Hospital area. The statement said clashes remain ongoing in the Leiramoun and Shihan roundabouts.
“No plans for military operations”
Meanwhile, Aleppo Governor Azzam Gharib said in a televised statement that “the government has no intention of any military escalation,” claiming that the army’s recent movements were part of a “redeployment plan” following what he called repeated violations by the SDF.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense issued a similar statement affirming its “commitment to the March 10 agreement” and denying any plans for military operations. It accused the SDF of carrying out “frequent attacks against army and security forces and attempting to seize new positions.”
Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh under repeated sieges and displacement
The Kurdish-majority neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh located in northern Aleppo, are home to tens of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Afrin, who were forced to flee their homes following Turkey’s 2018 military offensive, “Operation Olive Branch,” alongside its affiliated armed factions.
Over the past decade, the two neighborhoods have functioned as semi-autonomous areas within Aleppo, militarily protected by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Internal Security Forces (Asayish), and administratively governed by a local civil council. These institutions oversaw service provision, security, and community affairs, while maintaining limited coordination with state institutions.
During the era of the former Syrian regime, the neighborhoods were subjected to repeated blockades and severe restrictions, particularly by the government’s Fourth Division, which controlled surrounding checkpoints. The siege often prevented the entry of essential goods, including food, medicine, and fuel, creating acute humanitarian suffering among residents. Periodic tightening of the blockade was used as a pressure tool against the local administration and residents, who were largely independent from Damascus’ direct authority.
In April 2025, the SDF withdrew its military forces from the neighborhoods following an agreement reached between the Civil Council of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh and the Syrian transitional government. The deal recognized the neighborhoods’ distinct security, administrative, and service status and established a framework for cooperation with relevant institutions in Aleppo to safeguard stability and ensure the continuation of local governance and essential services.