Internal Security Forces: we have full capability to defend our people

The head of the Internal Security Forces in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods confirmed that factions affiliated with the Syrian Interim Government initiated the escalation and instigated the clashes by targeting the Sheikh Maqsoud checkpoint, resulting in injuries to two members of the Internal Security Forces in Aleppo.

She added that the Syrian Interim Government's armed forces shelled residential neighborhoods with artillery and tanks, injuring 17 civilians and killing one woman, in addition to wounding six members of the Internal Security Forces. She continued that their forces responded immediately within the framework of their legitimate right to self-defense, with the aim of protecting civilians and the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods from direct attacks.

She affirmed that they possess the full capability to defend the residents of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, and indicated that they are not warmongers and do not see escalation as being in anyone's interest.

Akhin Nujan, the General Director of Internal Security in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods, stated that, based on mutual desire and efforts, they are intensifying field and political efforts to stop the clashes, prevent their spread, and consolidate the truce in a way that preserves the security of civilians and the stability of the city.

The Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo have been witnessing attacks and intense shelling by the Syrian Interim Government's armed forces since this afternoon, which, as of the time of this report, has resulted in the death of one woman and injuries to 17 others, including two children.

ANHA