Four demonstrations in support of Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh resistance 

Four massive demonstrations were held across the Jazira Canton in North and East Syria condemning the attacks by the Syrian interim government forces on the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods. Demonstrators expressed their solidarity with the residents’ resistance and called for an immediate halt to the assaults. The first demonstration took place in the city of Darbasiya, the second in Tal Tamr, the third in Çil Agha, and the fourth in Derik.

Darbasiya

Hundreds of residents of Darbasiya took to the streets today in a mass rally protesting the siege imposed on the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo and denouncing the attacks carried out by the Syrian interim government forces, while voicing their support for the neighborhoods’ resistance. The protest saw broad participation from local residents, representatives of civil institutions and local councils, as well as youth, women’s movements, and students.

The crowds marched from the Women’s Square toward the Gardenia Roundabout, chanting slogans saluting the steadfastness of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh and praising the role of the Internal Security Forces in protecting civilians. Protesters held banners reading, “We salute the resistance of our people in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh.”

Upon reaching the gathering point at Gardenia Roundabout, participants observed a minute of silence in tribute to the martyrs, followed by the reading of a statement issued by the People’s Council of Darbasiya, delivered by Raghda Shahada, an administrator from Kongra Star. The statement read: “At a time when the Syrian people and the world look forward to dialogue and agreements leading to a comprehensive solution to the Syrian crisis, and to a new chapter of democracy and stability that safeguards the rights of all communities, we face the Syrian interim government’s procrastination in implementing the agreements signed with our forces and its disregard for the coordination arrangements between the Sheikh Maqsoud–Ashrafieh Civil Council and the interim government.”

The statement added: “The recent moves by Turkish-backed factions in Syria toward the two neighborhoods, coupled with the severe blockade that closed entrances and exits and prevented the passage of food, fuel, flour, and medicine, have created a suffocating crisis that deprived civilians of the most basic necessities of life.”

The statement held the Syrian interim government fully responsible; morally, legally, and humanely; for the consequences of this escalation, including civilian casualties. It stressed that continuing these attacks threatens Syria’s security and stability, fuels sectarian strife, and pushes the country toward a devastating war.

The statement also called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities toward the Syrian situation, prevent further escalation, and protect civilians from the risk of civil war. It urged the interim government to cease hostilities, reopen crossings, stop negative rhetoric that hinders dialogue, and return to the negotiating table instead of resorting to arms.

Tal Tamr

In Tal Tamr, hundreds of residents joined a massive demonstration that began in front of the Council of Martyrs’ Families, with the participation of members of civil society institutions, political party representatives, women’s organizations, and social and cultural figures.

Participants chanted slogans denouncing the blockade and calling for unity and solidarity among the people. When the march reached the M4 international highway, it turned into a large gathering, where Nuhat Shendi, an administrator in Kongra Star, delivered a speech.

Shendi stressed that the siege on Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh targets the project of coexistence and the Democratic Autonomous Administration across North and East Syria. She added that such a blockade does not serve stability but rather deepens suffering and fuels division among Syrians.

She further noted that the demonstration reflects the moral and humanitarian stance of Tal Tamr’s residents, who themselves have endured displacement and constant attacks from the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries. She said, “We stand in solidarity with all Syrian regions suffering from violations.”

For his part, Khidr Al-Alwi, co-chair of the Schools Administration in Tal Tamr, stated: “What is happening in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh affects every home in North and East Syria, because a siege on one area is a siege on the values we live for.”

The demonstrators concluded by reaffirming their unity with the people of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, calling on all Syrian national forces to put aside narrow political disputes and work together for a decentralized democratic Syria that guarantees the rights of all its citizens without discrimination.

Çil Agha

In the city of Çil Agha, a mass demonstration set out from Dalal Roundabout toward the Martyr Masoum Roundabout, denouncing the Syrian interim government’s attacks on Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. The protest included representatives of all the city’s components and institutions.

The march advanced through the city center, with chants saluting the resistance of the two neighborhoods and the Internal Security Forces and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). It later turned into a large rally at the Martyr Masoum Roundabout, where participants observed a minute of silence for the martyrs.

Faisal Hassan, co-chair of the Çil Agha City Council, delivered a speech condemning the attacks, describing them as a violation of the April 1 Agreement and an attempt to undermine the will of the residents. He affirmed that the peoples of North and East Syria will not stand idle in the face of such aggression and will continue to support their forces and popular resistance.

Nazha Saif al-Din, a member of the Educational Committee, read a statement condemning the assaults on Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh and warning against efforts to destabilize security and ignite internal conflict. She called for an immediate end to attacks on civilians and civil institutions and urged national unity in confronting these violations.

The demonstration concluded with chants of “Long live the resistance of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh!” and “Long live the SDF and Internal Security Forces!”

Derik

In Derik, hundreds of residents ( Kurds, Arabs, and Syriacs alike) gathered in Freedom Square, joined by representatives of service institutions, to express their support for the resistance of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh and to denounce the attacks targeting civilians there.

The demonstrators marched from Freedom Square toward the central market, chanting slogans celebrating the steadfastness of the two neighborhoods and affirming popular unity.

At the Martyrs’ Roundabout, they paused for a minute of silence in honor of the martyrs, after which Marwan Hamo, one of the displaced from Afrin, delivered a speech on behalf of the participants. He stated: “The people’s resistance in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh is an extension of the victories achieved by the peoples of North and East Syria against extremism and jihadism, in defense of coexistence and the brotherhood of peoples.”

The demonstration ended with chants condemning the attacks and reaffirming support for the steadfast resistance of the people of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh.

A-H 

ANHA