Residents have begun to return to a disputed area in Aleppo, Syria, following violent clashes between government troops and Kurdish-led forces. Emergency responders have entered the neighborhood to assist residents, clear debris, and remove mines.
The conflict erupted in predominantly Kurdish areas like Sheikh Maqsoud, Achrafieh, and Bani Zaid after the government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) failed to reach an agreement on integrating the SDF into the national army. Security forces have now seized control of Achrafieh and Bani Zaid.
These clashes mark the most intense fighting since the overthrow of then-president Bashar al-Assad by rebels in December 2024. The violence has claimed the lives of at least 23 individuals over five days, with more than 140,000 people displaced due to shelling and drone attacks.
Kurdish fighters have withdrawn from Sheikh Maqsoud to northeastern Syria, where the SDF is in charge. Despite evacuating the injured and civilians, they have declared their intention to continue the battle, calling it a “partial ceasefire.”
The situation appeared calm in the neighborhood on Sunday. Government security forces escorted journalists to survey the devastated area, showcasing the damaged Khalid al-Fajer Hospital and an SDF military post targeted by government troops.
The SDF has accused the government of repeatedly striking the hospital before patients were evacuated, while Damascus alleges that the Kurdish-led group had been using civilian facilities for military purposes.
Residents recounted their harrowing experiences, with some reporting that SDF forces prevented them from leaving through checkpoints. Syrian Civil Defence teams are currently dismantling improvised mines left behind by Kurdish forces, delaying the return of displaced residents until the area is deemed safe.
“I want to go back to my home, I beg you,” pleaded Hoda Alnasiri, reflecting the sentiments of many eager to return to their homes amidst the aftermath of the conflict.