Deadly clashes erupted in Aleppo on Tuesday, leaving nine dead amid stalled talks between the Syrian government and Kurdish forces.
The violence occurred in Kurdish-majority neighbourhoods, including Sheikh Maqsud and Ashrafiyeh. Both sides blamed each other for starting the conflict, which continued into the night. The fighting is among the deadliest since Bashar al-Assad was overthrown over a year ago.
The US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reported that government-affiliated factions targeted Sheikh Maqsud. By evening, the SDF confirmed that four civilians, including two women and a child, were killed. They described the attacks as involving “indiscriminate artillery, missile shelling, drones, direct sniper fire, and heavy-weapon fire.”
State news agency SANA reported that SDF fire killed five people, including four civilians and a defence ministry member. Two of the victims were workers at an agricultural research centre. In total, nine dead were confirmed as a result of the day’s clashes.
The fighting has disrupted daily life in Aleppo. Civil aviation authorities suspended flights to and from Aleppo airport for 24 hours, redirecting them to Damascus. Governor Azzam al-Gharib announced closures of schools, universities, and government offices, also cancelling public events due to ongoing shelling.
The March 2025 agreement aimed to integrate Kurdish forces into Syria’s new Islamist government. However, implementation has stalled, and Kurdish fighters remain in control of key districts despite prior withdrawal agreements. The SDF maintains influence over Syria’s oil-rich north and northeast and played a key role in defeating the Islamic State in 2019.
Turkey has called on Kurdish groups, including the PKK-linked SDF, to cease armed activity in Syria. Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler urged all affiliated forces to lay down weapons unconditionally.
Despite talks between SDF chief Mazloum Abdi and Damascus officials, no tangible progress has been reported. The Kurds continue to push for decentralised governance, while the Syrian authorities insist on centralised control.
The latest clashes, resulting in nine dead, highlight the fragility of the integration process and ongoing tensions in northern Syria, raising concerns over civilian safety and regional stability.
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