A crucial agreement has been reached between the newly formed Syrian state-integration task force and two Kurdish-majority neighbourhoods in Aleppo, which are controlled by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). The agreement guarantees the constitutional rights and citizenship of Kurds living in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighbourhoods, under a joint security arrangement between local security forces, led by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and Damascus-led Syrian Defence Forces in Aleppo.
This development, a significant first step for further AANES-Damascus integration post-Assad, also paves the way for the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Bedran Ciya Kurd, a senior AANES official, announced the agreement via his social media account, describing it as “a significant step towards enhancing stability and coexistence”.
The councils of the Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods have reached an agreement with the relevant committee from the Syrian authorities, marking a significant step toward enhancing stability and coexistence. The agreement stipulates the full preservation of the…
— Bedran Çiya Kurd (@BedranCiyakurd) April 1, 2025
Ciya Kurd emphasised that the Syrian authorities in Aleppo will be responsible for addressing any security threats to these districts while ensuring collaborative efforts to mitigate risks. He also highlighted that this agreement is part of a broader plan, with ongoing discussions on facilitating the safe return of Afrin residents displaced by Turkish-backed forces in 2018.
The agreement ensures the full preservation of the neighbourhoods’ administrative, cultural, security, and service-related autonomy while coordinating with relevant city institutions. A key provision stipulates that the local internal security forces (Asayish) will maintain their presence at checkpoints in coordination with Syria’s Ministry of Interior, preventing interference from external armed groups.
Another critical point is the recognition of representation for these neighbourhoods in Aleppo’s provincial council, Chamber of Commerce, and other key institutions, ensuring equitable access to public services without discrimination.
The agreement also includes the exchange of all prisoners in Aleppo Governorate, which were captured after Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) took over the city in early December.
This development follows extensive negotiations between the new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly known as al-Julani), and SDF General Commander Mazloum Abdi. It signals a step towards greater co-operation between the AANES and Damascus while protecting the local governance structure of these neighbourhoods.
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This development points to a reshaping of power dynamics in Aleppo, reinforcing Kurdish self-governance while promoting peace in the city. With the AANES seeking greater formal recognition within Syria’s political framework, this deal marks a significant move regarding the future of the self-administration in northeastern Syria.
