Syrian military forces took control of two neighborhoods in Aleppo, Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyeh, on Sunday following clashes with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (S.D.F.). The S.D.F. fighters withdrew from the neighborhoods shortly after midnight and were transported to another city in northern Syria, according to Syrian state media, which also reported that their weapons would be confiscated.

The S.D.F. characterized the withdrawal as a partial cease-fire intended to prevent further casualties and ensure the safe evacuation of civilians and the wounded. The retreat of the S.D.F. represents a gain for government forces and has brought a period of calm to Aleppo, a major Syrian city, after several days of intense violence.

These clashes marked the most significant outbreak of violence in Aleppo since the end of the Syrian civil war in December 2024, when Islamist-led rebel groups removed President Bashar al-Assad from power. The recent fighting signifies a deterioration in relations between the Syrian government and the S.D.F., following months of negotiations aimed at integrating S.D.F. forces into the national military. This development could have significant implications for the stability of the region and the unification of Syria.

The conflict highlights the complex ethnic and religious divisions within Syria. The S.D.F., while Kurdish-led, includes fighters from various ethnic and religious backgrounds. The Syrian government's actions could be interpreted as an attempt to consolidate power and exert greater control over Kurdish-majority areas.

Negotiations between the Syrian government and the S.D.F. had been ongoing for months, with the goal of integrating the S.D.F. into the national armed forces. The breakdown of these negotiations and the subsequent clashes suggest a hardening of positions on both sides. The future of these negotiations remains uncertain, and the recent violence could further complicate efforts to reach a lasting agreement.

The current status is a fragile calm in Aleppo, but the underlying tensions remain. The long-term implications of the Syrian military's takeover of these neighborhoods are still unfolding, but the event is likely to impact the political landscape of Syria and the broader region. Further developments are expected as both sides assess their positions and consider their next steps.