Syrian Army Consolidates Control of Aleppo After Ceasefire Deal

Syrian government forces have expanded their control over key districts in the northern city of Aleppo, following a series of local ceasefire agreements and the withdrawal of Kurdish-led fighters. This marks a significant shift in the military landscape of Syria's largest city, bringing more neighborhoods under state authority.

The Syrian Army entered the Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud districts after the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreed to withdraw [45275][45282][46835]. The SDF, a Kurdish-led military alliance that was a primary partner for the United States against the Islamic State group, stated it pulled out to avoid further conflict and protect civilians [47040].

The deployments followed a ceasefire declared by Syria's defense ministry after three days of intense fighting that displaced over 140,000 people [45816][46182]. Under the truce terms, SDF fighters were granted safe passage to their strongholds in northeastern Syria [45562][45816]. Buses were seen evacuating militants from the contested neighborhoods, including from a key hospital in Sheikh Maqsoud [46675][45562].

A Syrian government source emphasized that security responsibility in Aleppo rests solely with the state, having previously demanded the SDF surrender control [44128]. The recent operations are part of a broader effort to restore full government authority over the city, which was heavily damaged during the civil war and recaptured from rebels in 2016 [45275][45282].

While the army claims control over more than 90% of Sheikh Maqsoud and has demanded the surrender of remaining fighters, local sources indicate that limited clashes may still be occurring [46492][46835]. The ceasefire, however, is largely holding, according to reports [33094][45562].