Aleppo Falls Silent as Last Kurdish Fighters Leave City After Deadly Clashes
A fragile ceasefire has brought an end to the bloodshed in Syria's second-largest city, Aleppo, as the last fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have left the area after days of intense clashes. The agreement, brokered by international mediators and facilitated by the US, marked a significant milestone in efforts to stabilize the region.
According to officials, including SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, the group had reached an understanding on a ceasefire and the safe evacuation of civilians and fighters from the besieged neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. However, the development came after government forces took control of the key Kurdish-majority neighborhood of Sheikh Maqsoud, which saw at least 30 people killed in clashes.
The fighting, which broke out over tensions surrounding a failed agreement to integrate SDF fighters into state institutions, has left more than 150,000 displaced and raised concerns about the long-term stability of the region. With the deadline for integration expired last year, the SDF refused to leave areas under its control, sparking widespread conflict.
The US, which has been working closely with the SDF against ISIS, played a crucial role in brokering the agreement. According to Al Jazeera's Ayman Oghanna, Washington's close ties with both the SDF and the government have allowed it to navigate this complex situation effectively.
However, experts warn that the fighting may not be over yet, citing lingering issues related to SDF integration and control of Syria's northeast region. With an estimated 50,000-90,000 fighters under its command, the SDF remains a powerful force in the country, making any long-term stability a challenging prospect.
The fall of Aleppo marks a significant but not necessarily decisive moment in the Syrian conflict, which has left millions displaced and continues to pose major challenges for regional security. As Ayman Oghanna noted, "the fault line, the backdrop for this fighting, remains," with deep-seated issues about SDF integration and control remaining unresolved.
A fragile ceasefire has brought an end to the bloodshed in Syria's second-largest city, Aleppo, as the last fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have left the area after days of intense clashes. The agreement, brokered by international mediators and facilitated by the US, marked a significant milestone in efforts to stabilize the region.
According to officials, including SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, the group had reached an understanding on a ceasefire and the safe evacuation of civilians and fighters from the besieged neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. However, the development came after government forces took control of the key Kurdish-majority neighborhood of Sheikh Maqsoud, which saw at least 30 people killed in clashes.
The fighting, which broke out over tensions surrounding a failed agreement to integrate SDF fighters into state institutions, has left more than 150,000 displaced and raised concerns about the long-term stability of the region. With the deadline for integration expired last year, the SDF refused to leave areas under its control, sparking widespread conflict.
The US, which has been working closely with the SDF against ISIS, played a crucial role in brokering the agreement. According to Al Jazeera's Ayman Oghanna, Washington's close ties with both the SDF and the government have allowed it to navigate this complex situation effectively.
However, experts warn that the fighting may not be over yet, citing lingering issues related to SDF integration and control of Syria's northeast region. With an estimated 50,000-90,000 fighters under its command, the SDF remains a powerful force in the country, making any long-term stability a challenging prospect.
The fall of Aleppo marks a significant but not necessarily decisive moment in the Syrian conflict, which has left millions displaced and continues to pose major challenges for regional security. As Ayman Oghanna noted, "the fault line, the backdrop for this fighting, remains," with deep-seated issues about SDF integration and control remaining unresolved.