Aleppo's relative calm as Kurdish fighters disarm, but reintegration deal hangs in the balance.
The Syrian government has asserted control over the violence-hit neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in Aleppo after dozens of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters surrendered. The situation appears to have returned to a semblance of normalcy after days of intense fighting, with only sporadic exchanges between government forces and the SDF.
The clashes in Aleppo have resulted in 23 deaths and over 100 injuries, making them the most significant since former President Bashar al-Assad's removal from power last December. The ongoing conflict has exposed deep divisions within the country, with the Kurdish-led force refusing to leave areas of the city under their control despite a March 2025 integration deal.
The presence of SDF fighters in Aleppo's neighborhoods has long been a source of friction between Damascus and the central government. Kurdish leaders have expressed concerns over security guarantees and representation, while the government has sought to reassert its authority over all remaining autonomous areas.
A six-hour window for the Kurdish fighters to withdraw from the city was given by the Syrian Ministry of Defence on Friday, but their councils rejected any "surrender." Government forces then entered Sheikh Maqsoud, carrying out sweeps and confiscating weapons. The SDF denies allegations of using Iranian-made drones in the conflict.
The US has offered to facilitate engagement between the two sides to advance the integration process. Tom Barrack, the US special envoy for Syria, called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and cease hostilities. Washington's ties with both Damascus and the SDF are strong, having previously helped build up and train the latter.
However, the humanitarian consequences of the fighting remain a pressing concern. The United Nations has warned of the risks of displacement, injury, and loss of life, urging all parties to respect international law and ensure civilian protection.
As Aleppo returns to relative calm, it remains unclear whether the reintegration deal can be salvaged. The situation is set to continue being closely watched by regional players and international actors seeking to stabilize the conflict-ridden country.
The Syrian government has asserted control over the violence-hit neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in Aleppo after dozens of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters surrendered. The situation appears to have returned to a semblance of normalcy after days of intense fighting, with only sporadic exchanges between government forces and the SDF.
The clashes in Aleppo have resulted in 23 deaths and over 100 injuries, making them the most significant since former President Bashar al-Assad's removal from power last December. The ongoing conflict has exposed deep divisions within the country, with the Kurdish-led force refusing to leave areas of the city under their control despite a March 2025 integration deal.
The presence of SDF fighters in Aleppo's neighborhoods has long been a source of friction between Damascus and the central government. Kurdish leaders have expressed concerns over security guarantees and representation, while the government has sought to reassert its authority over all remaining autonomous areas.
A six-hour window for the Kurdish fighters to withdraw from the city was given by the Syrian Ministry of Defence on Friday, but their councils rejected any "surrender." Government forces then entered Sheikh Maqsoud, carrying out sweeps and confiscating weapons. The SDF denies allegations of using Iranian-made drones in the conflict.
The US has offered to facilitate engagement between the two sides to advance the integration process. Tom Barrack, the US special envoy for Syria, called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and cease hostilities. Washington's ties with both Damascus and the SDF are strong, having previously helped build up and train the latter.
However, the humanitarian consequences of the fighting remain a pressing concern. The United Nations has warned of the risks of displacement, injury, and loss of life, urging all parties to respect international law and ensure civilian protection.
As Aleppo returns to relative calm, it remains unclear whether the reintegration deal can be salvaged. The situation is set to continue being closely watched by regional players and international actors seeking to stabilize the conflict-ridden country.
what's up with these Kurdish fighters? I mean, I get that they want security guarantees and rep but can't they see that Assad's back in power and it's time to move on? 
all this fighting is just draining resources & lives. And the US is like "oh, let's mediate" but what's their real motive here? They're not gonna give up on Syria anytime soon... 
. Reintegration deal's a good idea, but hard to swallow when you got militias with their own agendas 
. Government's gotta show some flexibility too - all this control nonsense ain't gonna cut it anymore 
. International community needs to step up and help facilitate these talks, can't just sit back and let the Syrians sort it out themselves 
. Don't want to see Aleppo return to war anytime soon... 
this is just so messed up, like they're playing with people's lives, all those ppl got hurt or injured & still no one knows if Aleppo is gonna be safe 
the deal was supposed 2 help them integrate but now its all cuz of some ppl's egos, Kurdish ppl r already suffering enough, dont need more 
, but what's the hold up with these Kurds? They're like "no way we ain't leaving" 
. I guess it's all about finding that balance between security and autonomy. But honestly, who gets to decide? It's not just Syria anymore, it's the whole world watching 
.
It's like, these Kurdish fighters are stuck between a rock and a hard place, you know? They don't want to leave their communities, but at the same time, they can't fight back against the government. It's all so complicated.
anyhoo i think its all super worrying cuz if aleppo doesnt work out who knows what else will happen in syria and beyond 
The US special envoy just said "cease hostilities" 
but when will it happen? 
and I feel them 