Final SDF Fighters Exit Aleppo After Deadly Clashes With Syrian Forces
After days of intense fighting between the Kurdish‑led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syrian government troops, the last remaining SDF fighters have officially left the northern city of Aleppo. State TV and multiple news outlets reported that the withdrawal followed negotiations under an international ceasefire agreement that allowed fighters and civilians to evacuate safely from contested districts.
Ceasefire Leads to Withdrawal
Aleppo Governor Azzam al‑Gharib told reporters early Sunday that Aleppo has become “empty of SDF fighters” after buses carrying the remaining combatants departed the predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah, heading toward areas in northeastern Syria under SDF control. The withdrawal marked a significant turning point in control over the city, which had seen sporadic clashes between the two forces over the past week.
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi announced that the group agreed through international mediation on a ceasefire deal designed to facilitate the safe evacuation of fighters, civilians, the wounded, and the dead from the embattled districts to safer zones outside Aleppo. This diplomatic breakthrough came after attempts to integrate Kurdish forces into Syria’s national army faltered, reigniting conflict in key urban areas of the city.
Violent Clashes Preceded Evacuation
The clashes between SDF elements and Syrian government forces were among the fiercest in the region’s recent history, leaving neighborhoods scarred by artillery fire and street fighting. Both sides accused each other of violating prior agreements, with each claiming the other fired first. At least 21 civilians were reported killed during the confrontations, and tens of thousands of residents fled their homes to seek safety, according to reports.
The fighting disrupted everyday life in Aleppo, shutting down commercial activity, displacing families, and raising humanitarian concerns. Aid groups warned that the violence had compounded the already fragile situation in a city that has endured years of war, displacement, and economic hardship.
Humanitarian Evacuations and Displacement
As part of the ceasefire deal, civilians who had been trapped in the contested districts were also evacuated. Thousands were transported out alongside fighters, often boarding buses under protection from both sides to reach internal displacement camps or Kurdish‑held towns farther north and east. The evacuation process was described as tense but orderly, with authorities ensuring that the most vulnerable — including children and the injured — were given priority.
However, many residents said they left behind homes, businesses, and livelihoods in the chaotic escape. Some families told journalists they were uncertain whether they would ever be able to return, given the scale of damage and ongoing mistrust between factions. The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations have stressed the need for continued aid and safe access to services for displaced people.
Political and Military Implications
The departure of the last SDF fighters has significant implications for the balance of power in northern Syria. The government now asserts control over neighborhoods that were once strongholds of Kurdish influence, though Kurdish forces still control large swathes of territory in the country’s northeast. Analysts say the evacuation underscores the difficulty of forging a lasting political settlement in post‑war Syria, where local interests and external influences often collide.
Despite the departure from Aleppo, the SDF continues to operate a semi‑autonomous administration in areas of Hasakah, Raqqa, and northeastern Aleppo governorates. These regions remain outside full government control, highlighting the fragmented nature of authority in Syria even after more than a decade of civil war.
International Responses and Future Talks
Global powers including the United States and the European Union welcomed the ceasefire and evacuation but called for renewed political dialogue aimed at addressing broader issues, such as Kurdish representation and national unity. The U.S. has historically maintained ties with the SDF, particularly during the campaign against ISIS, and has been active in facilitating discussions between parties.
Diplomats warn that without sustained engagement and confidence‑building measures, localized ceasefires may simply delay further outbreaks of violence. With multiple armed factions and regional interests at play, achieving lasting peace in Syria remains complex and fragile.
Background to the Conflict
The broader clashes in Aleppo occurred amid stalled talks about integrating Kurdish forces into the Syrian army — a key component of wider efforts to unify the country under a central government after years of civil war. Kurdish leaders have resisted full integration, citing protection for their semi‑autonomous governance and local security forces. The collapse of these talks reignited tensions that had simmered since the fall of former President Bashar al‑Assad in 2024.
Aleppo itself has been a central battleground throughout the Syrian conflict, with control frequently shifting among the Syrian government, opposition groups, extremist factions, and Kurdish forces. The recent evacuation marks the latest chapter in the city’s tumultuous history.
Local Coverage and Broader Context
For additional context on internal reporting about the conflict and its humanitarian impact, platforms such as TrustedPakistan.com have provided ongoing coverage of the Syrian situation, including analyses of displaced populations, ceasefire dynamics, and regional implications of clashes like those seen in Aleppo.
