The Kurdish neighbourhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in Aleppo, Syria are under siege by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces. Farhad Shami, spokesperson for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Media Centre, stated, “Our forces will not retreat but will defend the people.” He further noted, “We will respect the decision of the Afrin Liberation Forces and Afrin’s displaced people regarding the Shahba region,” dismissing rumours about a potential withdrawal. Shami affirmed their support for all resistance efforts against terrorist groups.
Meanwhile, Turkish-backed armed factions have intensified bombardments targeting Maraanaz (Merenaz), Shaykh Isa (Şêx İsa), and Maarat Umm Hawsh (Um El Hoş) along the Afrin (Efrîn)-Shahba (Şehba) axis north of Aleppo. Local reports indicate violent clashes between the Afrin Liberation Forces (HRE) and Turkish-backed groups in the Herbel region. The extent of casualties and damage await verification.
Simultaneously, Russian forces conducted airstrikes targeting the Rausa district in Aleppo and Kirêdiya, east of Bab. Initial reports suggest that three Turkey-aligned paramilitaries were killed in the strikes. Despite their intensity, airstrikes alone have historically proven insufficient in removing entrenched factions.
In parallel, HTS continues to expand its control in Idlib and Hama, reportedly securing towns such as Maarrat al-Nu’man and Khan Shaykhun in Idlib, and Kafr Nabudah and Lataminah in Hama. Damascus denied reports of Syrian army withdrawals, affirming its readiness to respond to attacks. Reinforcements were deployed to key locations, including Jabal Zayn al-Abidin, increasing the likelihood of direct clashes.
The US State Department condemned the Assad regime’s resistance to political negotiations as a root cause of the crisis. The statement reaffirmed HTS’s designation as a terrorist organisation and emphasised protecting civilians and preventing the resurgence of ISIS.
The Arab League called for an end to regional violence and urged respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, aligning with international law.
Heavy clashes in Aleppo and surrounding areas underscore the intricate dynamics of the region, involving HTS, the Syrian government, Russian forces, and international stakeholders. Recent developments are unfolding within a broader geopolitical context, reflecting the complexity of the conflict.
