Security forces seal Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh districts

Syrian sources reported on Monday that the General Security Forces have closed all access points to the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh districts in Aleppo, both of which are under the control of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

According to the same sources, security forces informed residents of the two districts that “anyone who leaves will not be allowed to return,” signaling a complete lockdown of the area.

The move comes amid rising tensions between Damascus and the SDF, following reports that Syrian authorities have been increasing pressure on the group to reach a new political and security arrangement.

Syrian security sources claimed that one member of the Internal Security Forces was killed and three others were wounded after the SDF targeted security checkpoints around the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood in Aleppo.
Increasing confrontations
In late September, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that officials in Damascus had instructed Turkey-backed factions to prepare for operations targeting the SDF in Deir Hafer and around the Tishrin Dam axis. The source added that Damascus asked for the operation to be completed within a week, as part of a strategy to pressure the SDF into accepting an agreement with the central government.

In recent weeks, military tension in Aleppo Province has intensified, with clashes and exchange of strikes between the SDF and Turkish-backed Syrian factions occurring around the city’s northern countryside.

Observers say the developments reflect growing instability in northern Syria, as competing forces maneuver for influence amid renewed talks between Damascus, Ankara, and local factions.

SDF, Turkey-backed factions clash
According to the observatory, the clashes come amid ongoing tensions along frontlines in the region. Monitors previously observed the deployment of reinforcements and military displays by Turkey-backed factions in an attempt to deter any potential SDF offensive.

Sources cited by the observatory said the bombardment reflected an escalation of military tensions, with continued clashes and reciprocal strikes “underscoring the fragility of the security situation and the persistent instability along the confrontation lines.”

The SOHR added that the fighting followed reports of the factions acquiring suicide drones and long-range artillery in forward positions, including near the sugar factory. It also reported that an SDF drone targeted Turkish-backed “National Army” factions in the eastern Aleppo countryside.

The March 10 agreement, stalled integration
The clashes come as the SDF navigates its strained relationship with the new Syrian administration following the fall of the al-Assad regime in December 2024. On March 10, 2025, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi signed a landmark agreement with interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, aiming to integrate SDF military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state.

The deal promised control of borders, oil and gas resources, and constitutional guarantees for Kurdish rights. However, implementation has stalled, and since August 2025, clashes between the SDF and Syrian government forces have escalated.

Recent incidents included deadly confrontations near Dayr Hafir, al-Khafsah, and the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo. On September 21, mutual shelling in Umm al-Tineh killed at least seven civilians, according to the observatory.