Sheikh Maqsoud and Al-Ashrafieh: Neighborhood fighters refuse to withdraw amid ongoing clashes
17 killed in Sheikh Maqsoud and Al-Ashrafieh clashes with potential civilian displacement
The General Council of the Sheikh Maqsoud and Al-Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo announced its refusal to withdraw from protecting the neighborhoods, confirming its intention to remain and defend them. Meanwhile, Syrian government forces reportedly took control of Al-Ashrafieh after a local tribe in the area defected, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The Observatory reported that clashes continue despite an extension of the deadline by the U.S. envoy to Syria, Tom Barrett, with Asayish and Afrin fighters refusing to leave the neighborhoods, warning of a possible second wave of displacement toward northeast Syria. The non-final toll of the clashes included 17 deaths from the Ministry of Defense and six from the Asayish, in addition to the execution of civilian nurses at Othman Hospital.
Meanwhile, Syrian media cited government sources reporting that internal security forces, in coordination with the army, began preparing a safe corridor to transfer SDF forces north from Sheikh Maqsoud, with evacuation buses entering the area. However, some elements affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party reportedly refused to withdraw and insisted on continuing the fighting.
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