France welcomes Damascus–SDF ceasefire as step toward stability
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed on Wednesday the ceasefire concluded between the Syrian government and the SDF after intense overnight clashes in northern Syria.
The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on its official website, “France commends the ceasefire agreement concluded between the Syrian authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces in Damascus on October 7.”
The ministry described the agreement as “a significant step toward de-escalation and the protection of civilians,” adding that continued dialogue based on this understanding is essential to ensure the implementation of the March 10, 2025, accord in all its dimensions.
The ceasefire was reached late Tuesday after hours of heightened tension and sporadic clashes in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods of Aleppo, which resulted in casualties on both sides. Local sources confirmed that calm returned to the area on Wednesday morning, following the intervention of mediators and the agreement’s formalization.
The Syrian Democratic Forces, which maintain control over several neighborhoods in Aleppo and govern large parts of northeastern Syria under the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), emphasized that the deal aims to preserve stability and prevent further escalation in populated areas.
Observers in Aleppo reported that the ceasefire covers all contact lines between the two parties and includes measures to coordinate movement and security posts to prevent renewed friction.
The latest agreement follows previous understandings reached in March 2025 to regulate relations and cooperation between Damascus and the AANES on administrative and security issues, particularly in mixed-control zones.