اشتباكات حلب.. الجيش السوري يعلن سيطرته على حي الشيخ مقصود وإنهاء عمليات التمشيط

The situation in Sheikh Maqsoud remains tense, with the Syrian army announcing the completion of combing operations within the neighborhood in Aleppo on Saturday. This declaration signals a full assertion of control over the area, which witnessed clashes with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) starting Tuesday. However, Kurdish factions have refuted claims of the army’s complete dominance, creating a complex and evolving narrative. This article will delve into the details of the confrontation, the ongoing ceasefire efforts, and the implications for the region.

## تطورات الأحداث في حي الشيخ مقصود بحلب (Developments in Sheikh Maqsoud Neighborhood, Aleppo)

The Syrian Army’s General Command announced the conclusion of operations in Sheikh Maqsoud, stating that civilians could now contact stationed military personnel for assistance. According to official statements carried by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the army affirmed its commitment to establishing national sovereignty and responding decisively to any remaining sources of fire to ensure security and protect residents. Additionally, the army issued a directive urging armed elements within the neighborhood to surrender themselves and their weapons, promising safety in return.

Sources within the Syrian army reported the arrest of several SDF members and the confiscation of a substantial amount of heavy, medium, and small arms, along with ammunition, during the combing operations. Aleppo Governor, Azzam al-Ghrib, confirmed ongoing efforts to consolidate security and facilitate the return of normalcy to Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh districts. He also stated that the curfew would remain in place until further notice.

### خلفية الاشتباكات (Background of the Clashes)

The initial military operation, launched after the army claimed to have discovered a significant presence of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) elements, was met with resistance from the SDF, who asserted that the clashes involved residents defending their neighborhoods. The Syrian army reported that SDF shelling had resulted in the deaths of three soldiers and injuries to more than twelve. Following the conclusion of the combing operations, the army intends to handover control of the neighborhood to security forces and state institutions. The escalating tensions highlight the fragile security situation in northern Syria.

## جهود وقف إطلاق النار والوساطة الأمريكية (Efforts to Establish a Ceasefire and American Mediation)

Amidst the conflict, efforts to achieve a ceasefire are underway. US Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrak, reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting these efforts, specifically focusing on a peaceful withdrawal of the SDF. This commitment was reiterated in a joint statement following a meeting with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Amman. The United States is currently leading mediation attempts between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Crucially, Barrak and Safadi stressed the importance of implementing the agreement reached on March 10, 2025. This agreement stipulates that the SDF integrate its civil and military institutions within the Syrian state structures. Simultaneously, efforts continue to implement a roadmap for resolving the crisis in Suwayda and stabilizing southern Syria, established on September 16, 2025. Resolving the situation in Suwayda, a majority Druze province, is viewed as intertwined with the overall stabilization efforts.

### تصريحات ترمب حول العلاقات مع الأكراد والسوريين (Trump’s Statements on Relations with Kurds and Syrians)

Former US President Donald Trump stated that the United States has “good” relationships with both the Kurds and the Syrian government, emphasizing a desire for Syria’s success. He noted a previous period of progress, but acknowledged a resurgence of violence, expressing his hope for de-escalation.

## شروط الجيش السوري و ردود فعل قوات سوريا الديمقراطية (Syrian Army Conditions and SDF Responses)

The Syrian army declared Sheikh Maqsoud a “closed military zone” and imposed a curfew, justified as measures to protect civilians and prevent their use as human shields. This action was countered by accusations from the SDF, alleging attempts at infiltration and heavy shelling from government-affiliated factions.

The Syrian army’s conditions for a ceasefire involved the withdrawal of Kurdish forces to areas east of the Euphrates River. Implementing this condition would effectively end Kurdish control over remaining pockets within Aleppo. However, Kurdish councils governing Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh rejected this notion, labeling it a call for surrender and vowing to defend their neighborhoods. The councils affirmed their determination to remain and protect their communities.

The original ceasefire agreement, slated for implementation on Friday morning, stipulated a complete SDF withdrawal by 9:00 AM GMT, though reports from Syrian security sources indicated no withdrawal occurred overnight. This failure to comply raised concerns about a further escalation of violence.

## اتفاقية 10 مارس و تحديات الاندماج العسكري (The March 10 Agreement and Challenges of Military Integration)

The roots of the current conflict extend back to the agreement signed on March 10, 2025, between the SDF and the Syrian government, overseen by President Ahmed Sharaa. This accord outlined the SDF’s integration into state institutions, a process to be completed by the end of 2024. Despite the commitment, progress towards implementation has been minimal.

For over a decade, Kurdish authorities, backed by the United States, have established a de facto autonomous administration in northeastern Syria and parts of Aleppo. They have resisted full integration into the Syrian government, especially concerning relinquishing control over these territories. The recent conflict represents a culmination of ongoing tensions regarding this issue. The current round of clashes followed meetings between Syrian government officials and the SDF in Damascus aimed at discussing military integration, but these talks reportedly yielded no significant breakthroughs. The situation in Sheikh Maqsoud underscores the complexities surrounding the implementation of the March 10 agreement and the future of Kurdish administration within Syria.

The ongoing situation in Sheikh Maqsoud demands careful observation and continued diplomatic intervention. The failure to fully implement the March 10 agreement and the distrust between the Syrian government and the SDF continues to fuel instability. Securing a lasting ceasefire and finding a sustainable path towards political resolution are crucial for the well-being of civilians and the future of Syria. Further updates and analysis will be provided as the situation evolves.