Siege on Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo raises fears of humanitarian disaster
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – Hevin Suleiman, co-chair of the Kurdish Neighborhoods Council in Aleppo, northwestern Syria, warned on Thursday of a looming “humanitarian disaster” if forces of the Syrian transitional government continue to block access to the Kurdish-majority neighborhoods, stressing that the council is working to reach a “comprehensive and lasting solution” to the crisis.
Speaking to North Press, Suleiman said, “If the siege continues, it will inevitably lead to a humanitarian catastrophe, as there are elderly people and children in these neighborhoods. We are doing everything we can to resolve the situation and prevent this outcome.”
She noted that despite ongoing communication, “no agreement has been reached with the Syrian government,” adding that the neighborhoods have remained calm for the second consecutive day amid widespread anticipation.
“We want a lasting solution, not a temporary one,” Suleiman explained, emphasizing that this is the reason for “the delay in meetings between the two sides.”
The Kurdish official also highlighted a growing shortage of food and fuel due to the continued blockade.
In response to claims made by pro-government media, Suleiman denied reports that residents were leaving the Kurdish neighborhoods, affirming, “We remain steadfast against all attempts to sow discord among the components of the Syrian people.”
On Oct. 6, the two Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh experienced clashes between the Kurdish Asayish forces and the security forces of the transitional government after the latter closed all entrances to the neighborhoods, preventing anyone from entering or leaving.
The clashes led to the injury of at least 15 people of the Kurds who suffered suffocation after government forces used tear gas. Also a government source reported the killing of three members of the security forces and four civilians in addition to the injury of others following the escalation of clashes and shelling in the area.
In April 1, 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.