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Kurdish fighters leave Aleppo following ceasefire
Final units of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) evacuated Aleppo on Sunday after a ceasefire brokered by international mediators took effect in the early hours. The withdrawal marks the end of days of intense clashes in the city's Kurdish-majority districts.
Evacuation details
Buses carrying the last SDF personnel departed the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood, local media confirmed. Mazloum Abdi, the SDF's commander, stated the agreement ensured the safe removal of casualties, injured civilians, trapped residents, and combatants from the area.
The evacuation followed a week of escalating violence after negotiations to integrate Kurdish forces into Syria's government collapsed. At least 12 people died in the latest fighting, which displaced tens of thousands from Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh.
Government shelling and accusations
Syrian military forces bombarded the neighborhoods on Wednesday, declaring them "closed military zones" in response to alleged attacks by armed groups. The SDF, which denies maintaining a military presence in Aleppo, condemned the shelling as a "criminal displacement effort."
An earlier ceasefire proposal this week failed after Kurdish forces refused to abandon Sheikh Maqsoud, their last foothold in the city.
Stalled integration deal
In March 2025, the SDF-controlling much of northeastern Syria-signed an agreement to merge military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state. However, mutual accusations of sabotage have left the deal unimplemented nearly a year later.
International mediation
Concern over potential Turkish intervention prompted renewed diplomatic efforts. Turkey, a Syrian government ally, designates the Kurdish militia dominating the SDF as a terrorist organization.
"We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, halt hostilities immediately, and return to dialogue," U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Syria envoy Tom Barrack wrote on X Saturday. He added that Washington supports President Ahmed al-Sharaa's efforts to "stabilize the country" during Syria's "historic transition."
