SDF Fighters Leave Aleppo, in A Deal With the Syrian Government

On Friday, YPG/PKK fighters left the city of Aleppo. They handed over the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya to the Syrian government, ending a four-month standoff between Syrian soldiers and Kurdish fighters inside the city.

After the fall of the Assad government and the establishment of a new Syrian administration, the city of Aleppo experienced a fragile peace, marked by a prolonged standoff between Syrian soldiers and YPG/PKK fighters. These Kurdish forces had remained in the city to defend the predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya.

Many observers expressed optimism that the agreement signed on March 10, 2025, between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government would bring an end to the tense situation. The agreement aimed to establish a civilian governing body capable of ensuring lasting peace and stability for all residents of the city which was delayed due to many clashes between Syrian soldiers and Kurdish fighters in the city.

Reportedly, on April 3rd, the Syrian mayor of Aleppo stated that the city would finally return to normal life after a decade of siege, clashes, and war. The statement was made while the mayor oversaw the exchange of 100 prisoners of war from both sides, signaling that the March 10 agreement was finally being implemented on the ground after a significant delay. The next day, on April 4th, Kurdish fighters left the city.