Syrian transitional government security forces entering Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsoud after days of fighting with Kurdish-led SDF

"Forces of the Syrian transitional government deployed in the streets of Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsoud district, following days of fighting with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Footage filmed on Saturday shows dozens of armed personnel in pickup vehicles entering the district, with others positioned in the streets. A military vehicle equipped with a rocket launcher can also be seen, alongside damaged buildings in the district. In a statement released on Saturday, the Interior Ministry of the transitional government announced that internal security units had 'initiated a deployment into the Sheikh Maqsoud district in Aleppo', claiming this came after 'eliminating SDF fighters'. The transitional government's military operations command announced, 'the cessation of all military operations inside the Sheikh Maqsoud district in Aleppo, starting from 3:00 pm'. In a statement issued on the same day, SDF strongly denied these claims, calling them 'a transparent attempt to mislead public opinion'. SDF asserted that its forces had 'repelled a fierce attack' launched by transitional government forces on the western part of the district. Clashes erupted between the two sides days ago, with each accusing the other of targeting civilians. This latest escalation comes just days after officials from both sides held a meeting to discuss implementing the March Agreement, following the expiration of its deadline. The meeting failed to produce results. On March 10, the head of Syria's transitional phase, Ahmed al-Shara, and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi signed an agreement stipulating the 'integration of all civilian and military institutions affiliated with the Kurdish Autonomous Administration into the Syrian state' by the end of 2025. However, the agreement remains unimplemented, with sporadic clashes continuing. In December 2024, the current transitional government assumed power in Damascus, where Ahmed al-Sharaa was later appointed as transitional president, pledging to form an inclusive government."