Some media outlets close to armed groups affiliated with the Syrian Transitional Government, along with Turkish state media, have claimed that these groups have seized control of the neighborhood of Sheikh Maqsoud.
However, sources inside Sheikh Maqsoud report that this information is incorrect and that intense clashes are continuing. Internal Security Forces continue to repel the attacks.
The Internal Security Forces Media Center in Aleppo said in a statement: “The so-called “Ministry of Defense” of the Damascus government has circulated claims alleging that it has taken control of 90% of the neighborhood of Sheikh Maqsoud.
We categorically affirm that these claims are false and misleading, bear no relation to reality, and come within the context of a failed attempt to cover up the crimes and grave violations committed by Damascus government militias against civilians.
On the ground, the axes of the neighborhood of Sheikh Maqsoud are witnessing violent street clashes with Damascus government militias, during which heavy losses have been inflicted on their ranks.
In parallel, brutal shelling with artillery and tanks against the neighborhood continues, constituting a systematic criminal conduct aimed at spreading terror among the population and destroying infrastructure, including hospitals, in a blatant violation of all international and humanitarian laws and norms.”