Aleppo’s Kurdish neighborhoods call to end siege, government restrictions
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – Civil society organizations in the Kurdish neighborhoods of Aleppo city, northwestern Syria, called on Sunday for the Syrian transitional government to fully and urgently implement the April 1, 2025 agreement, condemning the continued restrictions and siege imposed on Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh.
In a statement delivered in the presence of representatives from local organizations, the groups demanded an immediate end to residents’ suffering and the restoration of administrative and service stability in the area.
The statement stressed that “all forms of siege and security harassment against the population must cease,” calling for guarantees to ensure freedom of movement, work, medical treatment, and education without interference or obstruction.
The organizations also called for an official investigation into recent incidents of inspection and abuse targeting civilians, accountability for those exceeding their legal authority, and an end to hate speech in both state and social media outlets.
Furthermore, they urged activating the role of the Aleppo Governor and local state institutions in coordination with the General Council’s administration in the Kurdish neighborhoods, within a unified framework that safeguards human dignity and preserves Syria’s territorial integrity.
The statement demanded an official explanation from the Syrian government, the Ministry of Defense, and the Aleppo Governorate regarding the exceptional conditions faced by residents of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh, urging “responsible and urgent action before it is too late.”
The appeal comes amid heightened tension and brief clashes last week between government forces and the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) in the Kurdish neighborhoods, following the closure of the area’s entrances by government troops.
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 killing of two Asayish members and the injury of at least 15 people of the Kurds who suffered suffocation after government forces used tear gas.
The escalation was followed by a visit to Damascus by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi. Shortly thereafter, the Syrian Ministry of Defense announced an agreement on a comprehensive ceasefire in Aleppo.