SDF Refuse To Withdraw From Aleppo After Syrian Government Declares Truce

After days of heavy fighting in northern Aleppo, Syria’s defence ministry announced a ceasefire ordering Kurdish SDF fighters to withdraw from the Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafiyeh and Bani Zeid neighbourhoods.

“Syria’s Defense Ministry announced a ceasefire after three days of clashes between government forces and Kurdish fighters in Aleppo, effective at 3 a”

abcnews.go

The ministry said Kurdish fighters would be moved, with light arms, to Kurdish areas further east.

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Local Kurdish councils and the SDF refused to comply, saying they would remain and defend their districts and had pushed back government attacks.

The pause was reported as taking effect at 03:00 local time and included plans for safe passage.

This account synthesises reporting that describes both the government’s formal order and the Kurdish refusal.

The clashes triggered large-scale displacement of civilians.

Several outlets reported roughly 140,000–142,000 people displaced or evacuated, while pro-government sources gave higher figures, with one report citing about 165,000.

Al Jazeera

Other outlets described 'thousands' or 'tens of thousands' fleeing, underscoring both the rapid movement of civilians and reporting differences between state-linked, international and regional press.

Government forces reported targeted operations, published maps of target areas, and declared Sheikh Maqsoud a closed military zone with curfews and humanitarian corridors.

“I can do that — I just need the article or enough info to find it in my memory”

Al Jazeera

Kurdish sources said they had struck back and accused pro-government units of heavy shelling of residential areas and hospitals.

State and pro-government outlets described the army retaking Ashrafiyeh and Bani Zeid and preparing evacuations.

Kurdish security (Asayish) and SDF statements described strikes, clashes, and measures they said were endangering civilians.

International actors reacted unevenly.

The United States welcomed the ceasefire, urged its extension, and offered help to de‑escalate.

Al Jazeera

Turkey publicly criticised the SDF and said it would assist Syria if asked.

Kurdish and regional actors warned of possible forced displacement and demographic change.

European figures were reported visiting Damascus around the same period, underscoring divergent regional priorities.

These reactions reflect diplomatic efforts to stabilise the situation but also contrasting strategic interests.

Coverage shows clear divergences in tone, emphasis and attribution.

“Kurdish leader urges dialogue to avoid ‘real disaster in Aleppo’ Kurdish political leader Ahmad Suleiman is urging dialogue between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic forces to avoid ‘real disaster in Aleppo’ that could spread across the country”

Al Jazeera

West Asian and state-linked outlets foreground Syrian government claims of restoring state control, name specific military targets, and cite alleged SDF violations.

Al Jazeera

Western mainstream outlets emphasize the humanitarian toll and the diplomatic push for a truce and safe passage.

Kurdish-oriented and regional sources highlight SDF warnings about forced displacement, demographic change, and potential war crimes.

Readers should note these differences reflect the sources' perspectives.

Some claims, for example allegations of SDF abuses cited by the army, are reported as government accusations rather than independently verified facts.