Aleppo: The Syrian army said on Friday it had completed security sweeps in the Sheikh Maqsoud neighbourhood of Aleppo, signalling a possible takeover of an area that has long been held by Kurdish fighters, even as the situation on the ground remains tense and uncertain.
In a statement, the army said its forces had finished combing through the northern district and were preparing to move to the next phase of security operations. State media showed images of troops positioned inside the neighbourhood, while buses were seen transporting dozens of Kurdish fighters and civilians out of the area.
The clashes erupted earlier this week after negotiations stalled over the future status of Kurdish led forces in the city. Government officials want all armed groups integrated into the national army, while Kurdish factions have resisted moves that would reduce their autonomy.
Residents described days of heavy gunfire and shelling that forced families to stay indoors or flee. Local sources said many civilians were taken to temporary shelters set up by security forces, while others left Aleppo altogether to stay with relatives in nearby towns.
Despite the army’s announcement, Kurdish representatives denied that full control had been handed over. They said some of their fighters were still present and warned that fighting could resume if agreements were not respected.
Later on Friday, the army declared a temporary halt to military operations in Sheikh Maqsoud to allow withdrawals and calm the situation. However, the truce appeared fragile after reports of a drone strike hitting a government building in Aleppo, underscoring the instability in the city.
Aleppo, once Syria’s largest city and economic hub, has seen repeated flare ups since the end of major battles years ago. The latest violence has raised fresh humanitarian concerns, with aid groups warning of new displacement and limited access to food and medical care.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing to prevent a wider escalation, but for many residents, daily life remains overshadowed by fear that the calm could break at any moment.