Asayish repel Aleppo incursion as shelling wounds civilians
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Kurdish Internal Security Forces (Asayish) of Aleppo said on Wednesday they repelled a tank-backed incursion by factions affiliated with the Syrian transitional government toward Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods, as shelling on residential areas continued.
In a statement, the Asayish said the attacking factions launched heavy weapons fire on the two Kurdish-majority neighborhoods, while the Asayish forces engaged in what they described as “fierce resistance” to repel the assault and protect civilians.
The Asayish added that their forces thwarted the first attempted advance toward Kastello Hill at around 3:00 p.m., reporting significant losses among the attacking forces, who withdrew from the area, leaving behind the bodies of their dead.
Despite the failed incursion, Asayish said factions affiliated with the Damascus government continued to shell residential neighborhoods with artillery and tanks, targeting areas including al-Layramoun, al-Shihan, al-Suryan, and surrounding districts.
The shelling wounded at least two civilians, according to the statement.
In parallel, Syrian government media outlets reported that the Syrian army is preparing to launch what they described as a “limited military operation” in Aleppo in response to continued attacks by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The reports said the operation would be conducted in accordance with international law, with civilians evacuated and armed groups targeted.
Government media added that the planned operation was based on a “local decision” and what they described as popular demands from Aleppo residents.
The latest developments come amid days of escalating clashes and shelling in and around Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh, raising fears of a broader military confrontation and worsening humanitarian conditions for civilians trapped in the affected neighborhoods.