Security Situation Deteriorates in Northern Aleppo Amid Clashes Between Syrian Army and SDF

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The security situation in Syria’s northern city of Aleppo has sharply deteriorated in recent days, as sporadic clashes erupted between Syrian government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in several strategic neighborhoods, raising concerns over civilian safety.

Field reports indicate that intermittent fighting has taken place around the Ashrafiya and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods, where Syrian army units clashed with SDF elements. At the same time, SDF snipers have been deployed near the Sheihan Roundabout, disrupting movement and targeting security forces, according to Syrian media sources.

The escalation follows an announcement by Aleppo’s Internal Security Forces, which reported that a joint checkpoint with the General Security Forces at the Sheihan Roundabout came under attack, injuring two personnel. While internal security officials blamed armed opposition groups for the incident, official Syrian media outlets and field reports pointed to direct confrontations between the Syrian army and the SDF.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has also confirmed the clashes in northern Aleppo, warning that the renewed violence is further destabilizing an already fragile security environment in the region.

Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya are predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods controlled by the SDF and lie adjacent to areas under Syrian government authority. The Shihan roundabout serves as a critical junction between these zones, making it a frequent flashpoint for tensions.

Observers warn that the use of heavy weapons, including anti-aircraft guns, in densely populated areas poses a serious threat to civilians and may signal a new phase of escalation between rival forces in Aleppo.

Meanwhile, Rami Abdulrahman, Director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), told Kurdistan24 that clashes have intensified in the Ashrafiya and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods.

He explained that the attack was initially carried out by an armed group affiliated with the Syrian interim government's Defense Ministry at a joint checkpoint of the security forces and public security at the Sheihan Roundabout. The attack was met with a strong response, leading to an escalation of the fighting into a full confrontation.

Two members of the Internal Security Forces – Aleppo were injured after an attack carried out by factions affiliated with the Ministry of Defense of the Damascus Government on a checkpoint at the Sheihan Roundabout in Aleppo. This represents a clear continuation of an…

— Syrian Democratic Forces (@SDF_Syria) December 22, 2025

Updated at 9:00...