Escalating violence in the Syrian city of Aleppo has resulted in dozens of casualties and a mass displacement of civilians this week, as government forces and Kurdish fighters clash for control of predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods [[1]]. Following several days of fighting, a deal brokered by the Syrian government has led to the evacuation of fighters from the city, though reports indicate simultaneous arrests of Kurdish individuals [[2]], raising fears of further instability in the region [[3]]. the situation highlights the ongoing complexities of the Syrian conflict and its impact on civilian populations.
Fighting between Syrian government forces and Kurdish fighters in the city of Aleppo has resulted in at least 24 deaths and 129 injuries since Tuesday, according to health officials. The clashes, centered in predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods, have also triggered a mass displacement of civilians, raising concerns about the escalating conflict in the region.
The Syrian government has overseen the evacuation of approximately 400 Kurdish fighters from Aleppo to northeastern Syria, while simultaneously arresting over 300 Kurdish individuals, a source within the Syrian Ministry of Interior told the French news agency Sunday. The arrests include both fighters and members of the Kurdish internal security forces.
The violence erupted Tuesday in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods of Aleppo, resulting in numerous casualties and the displacement of 155,000 residents, according to the governor of Aleppo. The Syrian government announced late Saturday that it had regained full control of the city.
The official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported early Sunday that the final buses carrying members of the QSD organization had departed the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood, heading towards northeastern Syria.
According to Monir al-Mohammad, the director of health information in Aleppo, “The number of victims as a result of the targeting of residential areas by QSD since Tuesday has reached 24 killed and 129 injured.”
The recent escalation underscores the complex dynamics within Syria and the ongoing challenges to achieving a lasting peace. The situation could further complicate regional stability as various actors navigate competing interests.
Following a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharre on Saturday, U.S. Syria envoy Tom Barak urged both the Syrian government and Kurdish authorities to “resume dialogue” and “exercise restraint.”
A source who requested anonymity stated that “360 Kurdish fighters and 59 wounded” had left the predominantly Kurdish Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood en route to northeastern Syria.
The source also confirmed the arrest of over 300 Kurds, including “fighters and members of the Kurdish internal security forces.”
Aleppo has been a focal point of the Syrian civil war, and these latest clashes represent a significant shift in control within the city.
