Hevin Suleiman holds transitional government responsible for Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafiyah violations

Hevin Suleiman, co-chair of the General Council of the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods, held the transitional government in Syria fully responsible for any unacceptable violations or breaches, emphasizing that while they always prefer dialogue to resolve any issue, they will not hesitate to protect themselves and the residents of the two neighborhoods if necessary.

13 August, 2025 13:55

ALEPPO

In recent days, Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah have witnessed a series of incidents, the most notable being the injury of two Internal Security Forces members after a drone belonging to the Syrian interim government targeted one of the security points.

Hevin Suleiman explained that “there are rogue members or factions affiliated with the Syrian Ministries of Defense and Interior, yet they remain linked to the Turkish occupying state and follow its orders directly.”

She confirmed that the past week saw “unjustified” movements and provocations by these factions around Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah, including the deployment of reconnaissance and explosive drones, questioning the motives behind such actions.

Suleiman held the transitional government fully accountable for any unacceptable violations and reiterated that while dialogue is always preferred, they will not hesitate to defend themselves and the neighborhoods’ residents if forced to do so.

“We have a long experience in self-defense”

Hevin Suleiman also stressed that any outbreak of war would not serve any party’s interests. At the same time, she noted that these factions themselves implicate the government in violations against Syrians of various communities, including kidnappings, torture, and identity-based killings, as witnessed in the coastal areas and Sweida.

She said, “The residents of the neighborhoods have a long experience in revolutionary popular defense and the principles of legitimate defense and self-protection for nearly 14 years, and we will not hesitate to defend ourselves if attacked.”

April 1 Agreement is still in effect

Suleiman pointed out that they are an integral part of Aleppo’s neighborhoods, coexisting on the principles of pluralism and brotherhood among Arabs, Kurds, Syriacs, Turkmen, and other communities.

Regarding the agreement signed on April 1, she stated that it remains in effect, with the joint checkpoints between the General Security and Internal Security Forces performing their duties to protect neighborhood residents.

Hevin Suleiman expressed her hope that peace would prevail across Syria through dialogue and discussion, reaching a formula that preserves the rights of all communities in the country’s future.

A-H

ANHA