Fierce clashes erupt between SDF and transitional forces in Aleppo
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Heavy clashes erupted in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyya as SDF forces exchanged fire with Syria’s transitional government troops, leaving casualties on both sides.
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Violent clashes between the SDF and transitional forces in Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood in Ashrafieh in Aleppo on October 6, 2025. (Hawar)
Intense clashes broke out between the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and forces affiliated with the Ministry of Defense of the Syrian Transitional Government in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya neighborhoods of Aleppo, marking a new escalation in tensions across northern Syria.
According to the SDF-linked Hawar News Agency, a number of civilians suffered suffocation from tear gas during demonstrations protesting the closure of neighborhood entry points by the General Security forces. The agency reported that government forces shelled the area with mortars, further aggravating the situation.
Conflicting reports and civilian casualties
Meanwhile, Syria’s official news agency SANA reported that SDF fighters targeted internal security checkpoints near the two neighborhoods, killing one member of the Internal Security Forces and wounding three others. Several civilians were also injured at al-Ardir Bridge after heavy machine gun fire hit the area.
According to the same report, the SDF continued shelling residential neighborhoods with mortars and heavy weapons, prompting the Internal Security Forces to evacuate several families to safety.
SANA added that the Ministry of Defense forces were redeploying units in northern and northeastern Syria following repeated attacks by the SDF in recent weeks.
SDF denies targeting Damascus forces
In response, the SDF denied reports claiming it had attacked checkpoints belonging to the Damascus government, asserting that the ongoing violence was provoked by interim government factions attempting to infiltrate the area with tanks and armored vehicles.
The SDF described the situation as a continuation of “repeated attacks by Damascus-affiliated factions against civilians” in Aleppo, accusing these groups of targeting residential areas with mortar shells and drones.
Security forces seal Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh districts
Syrian sources reported on Monday that the General Security Forces have closed all access points to the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh districts in Aleppo, both of which are under the control of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
According to the same sources, security forces informed residents of the two districts that “anyone who leaves will not be allowed to return,” signaling a complete lockdown of the area.
The move comes amid rising tensions between Damascus and the SDF, following reports that Syrian authorities have been increasing pressure on the group to reach a new political and security arrangement.
Syrian security sources claimed that one member of the Internal Security Forces was killed and three others were wounded after the SDF targeted security checkpoints around the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood in Aleppo.
