Syrian government forces announced on Saturday that they had successfully reasserted control over the final Kurdish-held territory within Aleppo city. This declaration, however, was immediately contested by Kurdish fighters who insisted their resistance would continue. The highly unstable situation ultimately led to a negotiated ceasefire agreement. This crucial accord facilitated the organized evacuation of Kurdish-led combatants and a significant number of displaced civilians from the contested Sheikh Maksoud district.
The dramatic escalation in fighting had erupted earlier in the week, overwhelming a previously established, but precarious, truce. The Syrian army’s official statement on Saturday morning indicated that all ground operations had concluded. They further confirmed that thorough security sweeps within the Sheikh Maksoud neighbourhood had been completed. Later that day, the Governor of Aleppo, Azzam al-Gharib, verified that the last Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) personnel had departed the city. This coordinated withdrawal, conducted overnight, involved fighters and civilians boarding buses destined for northern and eastern Syria, regions currently under Kurdish authority.
Renewed hostilities were reportedly precipitated by a failure to integrate Kurdish forces into the newly formed Syrian government structure. This integration was intended to occur after the removal of the longtime leader, Bashar al-Assad, in December 2024. Negotiations concerning the SDF's merger into the national army had apparently reached a deadlock, leading directly to the violent confrontation. The severe humanitarian crisis was further highlighted by reports from international news outlets, indicating significant civilian casualties and a massive displacement of over 140,000 people.
The international community, including the United States and other major global powers, had previously expressed strong support for a ceasefire. The eventual agreement, brokered through intensive international mediation, provided a vital opportunity for the safe withdrawal of all individuals caught in the conflict. An SDF commander acknowledged the agreement, stating that it would ensure the evacuation of casualties, civilians, and fighters. He also urged mediators to uphold their commitments to prevent further violations and facilitate the safe return of displaced populations.
The Syrian army’s successful retaking of Sheikh Maksoud effectively eliminates the last Kurdish-controlled area within Aleppo city, an enclave that had existed since 2011. While this represents a substantial territorial gain for the Syrian government, Kurdish forces continue to hold considerable influence over large areas of northeastern Syria. These regions are governed by a de facto semi-autonomous administration. The immediate consequence for Aleppo city has been a return to relative tranquility, though this has come at a significant human cost, with over 150,000 residents now displaced from their homes. The long-term ramifications for inter-ethnic relations and Syria's ongoing reconstruction efforts are still uncertain.