Intense Clashes in Aleppo Between SDF and Armed Factions Focus on Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh Districts
Aleppo is witnessing a dangerous military escalation as intense clashes unfold between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and armed factions loyal to the interim government in the vicinity of the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods. Local sources report that the heaviest fighting is concentrated around the Al-Awarid checkpoint, with the SDF continuing to repel attempts by the armed factions, backed by Turkey, to advance.
Siege and Mass Displacement in Aleppo
The ongoing clashes have triggered a large-scale displacement of civilians from areas near the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood, as artillery shelling intensifies, with mortar shells and drone strikes being used in the attacks. Heavy artillery fire can be heard throughout the city, while renewed assaults target SDF positions around the neighborhood.
Mutual Accusations Between SDF and Syrian Government Forces
Later reports indicated that the SDF rejected accusations circulating in some media outlets claiming that they had targeted Syrian government militia checkpoints near Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. The SDF confirmed that their forces withdrew from the area on April 1, as per prior agreements, stressing that the current situation stems from continued provocations by Syrian government factions, who have been besieging the area and targeting civilians.
New Reinforcements Enter the Battle
In another development, sources confirmed that reinforcements from the 62nd Brigade (Al-Amshat) are heading from Hama to Aleppo to participate in military operations. Additionally, the HAT (a Kurdish counterterrorism force) has entered the fray in the Aleppo countryside, while Syrian Ministry of Defense factions continue their rocket attacks on SDF positions.
Humanitarian Situation Worsens in the City
The fighting has expanded to the Sheikhhan Roundabout area, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Aleppo. Sources reported several mortar shells falling in the vicinity of Al-Tawheed Mosque and the Sheikhhan Roundabout, causing civilian casualties. Meanwhile, “Shaheen” aircraft belonging to the armed factions targeted SDF gatherings in the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood.
International Action and Humanitarian Calls
The Syrian Democratic Forces have called on international and humanitarian organizations to intervene immediately to halt the attacks on civilians and end the siege imposed on Aleppo neighborhoods. They placed full responsibility for the recent escalation on the Syrian government, highlighting that ongoing military practices are threatening the region’s stability.
The clashes between the two sides continue to intensify in the outskirts of Aleppo, with rising concerns over the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing crisis in the city.
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