Young man kidnapped from Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood; family demanded $10,000 for release

Local sources reported that members of the Syrian Transitional Government forces have intensified pressure on the residents of Sheikh Maqsoud and Al-Ashrafieh neighborhoods. Yesterday, they abducted a young man named Abdo Marwan Sheikho, a resident of Sheikh Maqsoud.

The kidnapping took place at a newly established checkpoint, specifically in front of Al-Kalima School on the Ashrafieh Park road leading to the Al-Surian neighborhood, in the evening.

According to the information received, the kidnappers contacted the young man’s family via phone and demanded a ransom of $10,000 USD for his release.

Article 3 of the April 1 Agreement, signed between representatives of the Transitional Government and the councils of Sheikh Maqsoud and Al-Ashrafieh neighborhoods, states: "The Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with the Internal Security Forces, is responsible for protecting the residents of the two neighborhoods and preventing any attacks or harm against them."

This incident coincides with other kidnappings and restrictions, most notably the blockade on fuel supplies to the two neighborhoods since September 25, 2025, ahead of the approaching winter.

It is also worth noting that two members of the Internal Security Forces in Aleppo were seriously injured today during an attack carried out by Transitional Government forces on a joint checkpoint at Al-Sheihan roundabout in Al-Ashrafieh neighborhood. They were transported to the hospital for treatment.

ANHA