ANHA Agency captures militants' attack sites in Sheikh Maqsoud

Since midday yesterday, the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods have witnessed rapid developments. Armed factions aligned with the Damascus government launched an offensive, accompanied by the establishment of checkpoints around the two neighborhoods. Reports indicate that reinforcements were being mobilized from Aleppo’s northern countryside.

ANHA Agency field correspondent documented, through videos and photographs, the locations from which the Damascus-affiliated militants launched their attacks on Sheikh Maqsoud. The offensive primarily originated from:

-The Agricultural Directorate building in Aleppo

-Frontline buildings in the Suleimaniyah neighborhood, adjacent to Sheikh Maqsoud

The vicinity of Al-Jalaa Club

Following heavy losses inflicted on the attackers, additional reinforcements were deployed from northern Aleppo’s countryside.

Notably, these reinforcements included elements from Turkish-backed armed factions stationed in Marea and Azaz.

In response to the attacks, local defense forces engaged in countermeasures based on the principles of legitimate defense, reportedly killing or wounding 12 of the attacking militants. Meanwhile, three members of the internal security forces and one civilian sustained injuries, though their conditions remain stable.

A checkpoint was established on the Awarid Road, which connects Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh to the rest of Aleppo. Eyewitnesses reported that individuals passing through were subjected to identity-based questioning, including inquiries about Kurdish ethnicity, alongside searches of mobile devices—raising concerns over civil liberties.

While no abductions had been reported at the time of this report, there are growing fears within the community about continued restrictive measures imposed by Damascus-affiliated forces.

Current Situation

As of 1:00 AM last night, no further clashes or gunfire have been reported, with a tense calm prevailing in the area.

Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh are home to approximately 500,000 residents from diverse backgrounds, with Kurds making up the majority. The neighborhoods also house a significant number of forcibly displaced individuals from Afrin and Shahba.

a.k

ANHA