Syrian military forces took control of two neighborhoods in Aleppo on Sunday, areas previously held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (S.D.F.), following days of clashes. The S.D.F. withdrew from the Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods shortly after midnight, according to Syrian state media, which reported that the fighters were transported by bus to another city in northern Syria and their weapons would be confiscated.
The S.D.F. characterized their retreat as a partial cease-fire intended to prevent further casualties and ensure the safe evacuation of civilians and the wounded. This withdrawal represents a gain for government forces and has brought a period of calm to Aleppo, one of Syria's largest cities, after a period of intense violence.
The recent fighting marked the most significant outbreak of violence in Aleppo since the end of the civil war in December 2024, when Islamist-led rebel groups removed President Bashar al-Assad from power. The clashes signify a deterioration in relations between the Syrian government and the S.D.F. after months of negotiations aimed at integrating S.D.F. forces into the national military. These negotiations, designed to unify the country and bridge divisions among various ethnic and religious groups, have been significantly set back by the recent conflict.
The Syrian government views the integration of the S.D.F. as crucial for reasserting control over the entire country. Conversely, the S.D.F. seeks assurances regarding the protection of Kurdish rights and autonomy within a unified Syria. The breakdown in negotiations highlights the complexities of post-civil war reconciliation in Syria, where multiple factions with competing interests vie for power and influence.
Analysts suggest that external actors, including regional powers and international organizations, may need to play a more active role in mediating a lasting agreement between the Syrian government and the S.D.F. The current situation remains fluid, and the long-term implications of the Syrian military's takeover of these Aleppo neighborhoods are yet to be fully determined. Further negotiations are expected, but the recent violence has created an atmosphere of distrust that will be difficult to overcome.
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