Syria Declares Ceasefire in Aleppo After Kurdish Clashes

The Syrian government has announced a ceasefire in Aleppo following three days of intense clashes with Kurdish forces that displaced more than 140,000 civilians. The fighting, described as the most serious flare-up in over six months, underscored persistent tensions over territorial control and the stalled political process between Damascus and Kurdish authorities.

Ceasefire Terms and Ground Situation

The ceasefire came into effect at 3 am local time, temporarily halting hostilities across several contested neighbourhoods. Under the declared terms, Kurdish fighters were expected to withdraw from Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Bani Zaid, with safe passage offered towards north-eastern Syria, an area controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. The truce’s durability remains uncertain, as the SDF has not formally confirmed acceptance of the arrangement.

Conflicting Claims Between Damascus and SDF

While residents reported a noticeable lull in gunfire overnight, both sides issued conflicting statements. The SDF’s internal security arm, Asayish, rejected claims that it had requested safe passage and instead called for the withdrawal of Syrian government troops from Kurdish-majority districts. Syrian forces, meanwhile, released footage showing inspections of underground tunnels allegedly used by SDF fighters to move personnel and weapons beneath the city.

International Reactions and Mediation Efforts

The ceasefire was welcomed by the United States, with Washington acknowledging the pause as a positive step. The US has long supported the SDF in operations against Islamic State and has attempted to mediate its integration into the Syrian state framework. However, talks to merge the SDF into Syria’s national army have stalled, with both sides accusing each other of undermining national unity. Turkey, which views the SDF as linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), has reiterated its backing for Damascus and criticised the SDF’s insistence on retaining territorial control.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Aleppo has been a recurring flashpoint between Syrian forces and Kurdish groups.
• The Syrian Democratic Forces control roughly one-third of Syria’s territory.
• The US supports the SDF primarily due to its role in fighting Islamic State.
• Turkey considers the SDF an extension of the PKK.

Strategic Implications for Syria’s Unity

Aleppo’s Kurdish-majority pockets have long symbolised the unresolved question of decentralisation versus central authority in Syria. Damascus continues to insist on restoring full state control and a monopoly over armed force, while the SDF seeks guarantees over autonomy and security. The latest clashes, marked by mutual allegations of war crimes and forced displacement, highlight the fragile nature of ceasefires and the deep political divides shaping Syria’s post-war trajectory.