A military committee from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), received a delegation from the Damascus government in the city of Tabqa on Monday, October 20.
During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the tensions in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods of Aleppo, and ways to address them through peaceful means that ensure the safety and stability of residents and prevent any field escalation, according to the SDF Media Center.
“As a gesture of goodwill, our forces also handed over a number of detainees from Damascus government forces who had been captured in various locations during the past period,” the statement said.
SDF stated that their forces reaffirmed during the meeting their constant commitment to peaceful solutions, maintaining stability, and protecting civilians in all areas.
Regular violations of agreements
Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods are effectively under siege due to differing views on the April 1 agreement between the general council of the two neighborhoods and parts of the transitional government. Among other things, it stipulates that autonomous security forces (Asayish) remain in place, but cooperate closely with state structures and that joint control mechanisms are gradually introduced.
While Damascus interprets the agreement as a step toward “reintegrating” state authority, the Kurdish side emphasizes its character as an equal balance of interests. In practice, Syrian state forces regularly violate the agreement, which has led to new tensions.
There are regular attacks, provocations, and targeted harassment by armed groups under the control of the Syrian transitional government. A de facto blockade is in place in the neighborhoods: food, medicine, and fuel are constantly being blocked, and humanitarian aid is restricted.