The General Council of the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah Neighborhoods issued a statement regarding yesterday’s attacks on the two Kurdish neighborhoods by armed groups affiliated with the Syrian Transitional Government’s Ministry of Defense.
The press statement made the Martyrs’ Square in the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood was read by Mistefa Mihemed, a member of the council administration.
Mihemed remarked that the attacks on the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafiyah, and Benized were a continuation of the October 6 attacks and the September 25 blockade.
Mihemed stressed that the attack had been planned in advance, that electricity and internet had been cut off beforehand, and that “General Security” forces had withdrawn from joint checkpoints.
“Images show that government forces withdrew from the checkpoints. The purpose of this attack, which coincided with the Turkish delegation’s visit to Damascus, was to undermine the March 10 Agreement and prevent the Syrians from making their decision,” he said.
Mistefa Mihemed noted that all types of heavy and medium weapons, including tanks and howitzers, were used in yesterday’s attack. The indiscriminate attack against civilians left one woman dead and 19 people injured, he added.
The Assembly affirmed its commitment to the signed agreements and declared that it would not cease to protect the residents of both neighborhoods and would prevent attempts to undermine their will. It called upon the international community, legal and humanitarian organizations to protect human freedom and dignity.
The Assembly held the transitional government, particularly the governor of Aleppo, responsible for the attacks and siege on two neighborhoods, and demanded that the aggressive groups be held accountable.
The Assembly called for resisting the attacks, which, it said, aim to stir up trouble, emphasizing their commitment to coexistence.