Residents have begun to come back to a disputed area in Aleppo, Syria’s northern city, following intense clashes between government troops and Kurdish-led forces. Initial responders have entered the neighborhood to help residents, clear debris, and deactivate explosives.
The conflict erupted on Tuesday in predominantly Kurdish areas like Sheikh Maqsoud, Achrafieh, and Bani Zaid after the government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the primary Kurdish-led faction in the nation, couldn’t reach an agreement on integrating the SDF into the national military. Security personnel have now taken control of Achrafieh and Bani Zaid.
This recent fighting marked the fiercest confrontation since the ousting of then-president Bashar al-Assad by rebels in December 2024. Over a five-day period, at least 23 individuals lost their lives, with more than 140,000 forced to flee due to artillery fire and drone attacks.
Kurdish fighters have retreated from Sheikh Maqsoud to the northeastern region of Syria, governed by the SDF. Nonetheless, they have declared their intention to continue combat operations once the injured and civilians are evacuated, citing a “limited ceasefire.”
On Sunday, the neighborhood appeared tranquil. Government security forces escorted journalists to survey the devastated zone, showcasing the ruined Khalid al-Fajer Hospital and a military site targeted by government troops belonging to the SDF’s security forces.
The SDF alleged that the government had repeatedly attacked the hospital before patients were evacuated. In return, Damascus accused the Kurdish-led group of using the hospital and other civilian structures for military purposes.
“I want to return to my residence, I implore you,” Ahmad Shaikho expressed to the Syrian Red Crescent responders on a street filled with burnt vehicles and severely damaged homes. Some inhabitants claimed that SDF personnel obstructed their exit at checkpoints.
Members of the Syrian Civil Defence have been working to deactivate makeshift explosive devices reportedly planted by Kurdish forces as traps. Displaced residents are being prevented from reentering the area until all mines are eliminated, evoking memories of their displacement during Syria’s prolonged civil war.
“I want to return to my home, I beg you,” Hoda Alnasiri pleaded.
