Neighborhoods of Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud in the northern part of Aleppo have entered a state of relative calm following an agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Tuesday evening, October 7.

Strict security measures imposed by government forces after the recent clashes remain in effect.

Fragile Stability

A military source in the government forces, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, told Enab Baladi that the situation in the area is currently stable, with no clashes or military movements suggesting renewed fighting.

He warned, however, that any violation of the ceasefire would be met with an immediate response, adding that government troops remain on high alert, especially as SDF positions “show signs of readiness.”

Civilian movement is currently permitted only through the Zahour checkpoint in New Siryan and the Sheihan roundabout, while the Awarid and Ashrafiyeh checkpoints remain closed due to their proximity to the frontlines that witnessed intense fighting on October 6.

According to the source, there are efforts to gradually reopen the closed checkpoints once the situation stabilizes and security coordination between the two sides resumes.

On Wednesday evening, October 8, the state-run Al-Ikhbariya TV reported that SDF fighters inside Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh had deployed mortar launchers at several sites, describing a state of heightened alert within the two neighborhoods.

The report came one day after the ceasefire announcement, underscoring the fragility of the truce despite ongoing communication between representatives of the Syrian government and SDF leadership.

Meanwhile, residents expressed concerns that renewed tension could spark another round of fighting, especially since security and administrative disputes in Aleppo’s northern districts remain unresolved.

Alleged Ceasefire Violations East of Aleppo

In a related development, Al-Ikhbariya quoted the Ministry of Defense’s Information and Communication Directorate, accusing the SDF of violating the ceasefire less than 48 hours after it was signed.

According to the ministry’s statement, the SDF targeted Syrian army positions near the Tishrin Dam, east of Aleppo, killing one soldier and wounding several others.

The ministry also claimed that the SDF carried out more than ten violations in two days, attacking army positions along eastern Aleppo frontlines, while continuing to fortify and reinforce its military sites despite ongoing understandings between both sides.

It added that provocative movements and communications aimed at government and security positions inside Aleppo had been detected.

SDF Denies the Accusations

In a statement posted on Facebook, the Syrian Democratic Forces denied the allegations, saying that a Damascus government–affiliated armed group had attempted to infiltrate one of its positions near the Tishrin Dam using hand grenades.

According to the SDF, its fighters repelled the attack, killing one of the assailants while the others fled. The group described its response as part of its legitimate right to self-defense, necessary to protect civilians and preserve stability in the area.

The clashes, which broke out on Monday, October 6, between the Syrian army and the SDF in Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud, involved sniper fire and mortar shelling that reached civilian-populated areas. Hostilities ceased after both sides agreed to a ceasefire the following evening.

Clashes End in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh Neighborhoods in northern Syria