Residents of Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh: Transitional government continues violations

The transitional government continues to breach the agreement signed on April 1 with the General Council of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in Aleppo. This month alone, a series of violations were reported, including attacks on an Internal Security Forces checkpoint near Sheikh Maqsoud and the closure of the Aleppo–Raqqa international road near Deir Hafer, disrupting traffic and cargo movement between Aleppo and the North and East Syria region. ANHA correspondents also documented military movements near Ashrafieh and the Lairmun area, including the erection of dirt barriers and the conversion of civilian sites into military positions.

In this context, residents told ANHA agency that the transitional government has failed to adhere to the agreement’s terms. Citizen Zilan Mahmoud said the agreement, which aims to promote coexistence and maintain civil peace, is being systematically violated, driven by external parties seeking to prolong the crisis.

Zilan noted the transitional government’s disregard for the agreement, highlighting recent violations and reminding that Articles 3 and 8 were breached. Article 3 stipulates that the Ministry of Interior, in coordination with Internal Security Forces, is responsible for protecting residents, while Article 8 guarantees freedom of movement and protection from persecution for individuals previously targeted.

Ahmed Mohammed also stated that the transitional government has violated the agreement through kidnappings, road closures, and attacks on security points, despite the General Council’s adherence to the agreement’s provisions.

He emphasized that the Turkish occupation exploits the chaos to push the transitional government to undermine the autonomous administration project.

Ahmed Fakhri, a displaced person from Afrin, said: “We anticipated a safe return to our areas and a better reality after the fall of the former Ba’athist regime, especially following agreements between the Autonomous Administration, SDF, and the transitional government. However, these hopes have collided with ongoing violations under Turkish orders.”

He added, “The Turkish occupation obstructs attempts to establish stability and build a unified Syria, as this would eliminate its presence in the region. This exposes the area to challenges and prolongs the crisis.”

He called for a culture of peace and prioritizing common interests to ensure security and stability while protecting Syria from foreign interference.

Since the April 1 agreement, the transitional government has committed 77 violations as of September 1, including kidnappings, intermittent sieges, attacks by suicide drones, military deployments and dirt barriers, as well as the recruitment of children for illicit intelligence activities.

 A-H 

ANHA