Foreign Relations Department of DAA: Aleppo attacks violate agreements

Spokesperson Alauddin Al-Abid stated that the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyah have experienced a severe military escalation in recent days, with continuous shelling using various heavy weapons, resembling “an open battlefield targeting civilians and community security forces.”

He explained that the shelling involves all types of heavy weapons, representing a clear breach of the March 10 and April 1 agreements. Al-Abid stressed that the SDF had fully withdrawn from the neighborhoods with all their military equipment according to these agreements.

Al-Abid criticized the “misleading narrative” promoted by the Syrian Interim Government, stating that their claims of SDF presence in the neighborhoods are not based on any field reality.

He reaffirmed the Autonomous Administration’s commitment to the ongoing negotiation process with the Interim Government and insisted on achieving peace. He described the March 10 agreement as a potential “roadmap for a solution in Aleppo and Syria in general,” warning that escalating hate speech and incitement could threaten Syria’s social fabric.

Al-Abid added that Syria’s diversity and sects are a source of strength and richness, emphasizing that the Autonomous Administration rejects all forms of sectarianism and division. He warned that the current events in Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyah deepen societal fragmentation and fuel chaos.

On the reasons for the escalation, Al-Abid said that over the past months, the neighborhoods have faced increasing restrictions by the Syrian Interim Government’s forces, culminating in attacks on civilians and their property using drones, resulting in material damage, civilian casualties, and injuries.

He noted that the escalation coincided with the deployment of three military divisions, including Divisions 62 and 76, along with fighters from the “Amshat and Hamzat” groups and members of “Hayat Tahrir al-Sham,” bringing heavy weapons, rockets, and artillery. These movements signaled intentions to escalate and attempt to empty the neighborhoods.

Al-Abid warned against continued shelling and civilian targeting, calling for an immediate halt to the escalation and prioritizing dialogue to preserve civil peace and the territorial unity of Syria.

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ANHA