Last Kurdish Forces Leave Aleppo After Ceasefire Deal Reached
The final Kurdish fighters have departed from Aleppo, following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement early Sunday morning. This significant development marks a pivotal moment for the Kurds in Syria, as Mazloum Abdi, the leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), confirmed that the deal was established through international mediation. This agreement facilitated the safe evacuation of “martyrs, the wounded, trapped civilians, and fighters” from the city.
Key Events Surrounding the Ceasefire
– Buses Departing: Local media reported that buses transporting the last members of the Kurdish-led SDF were seen leaving Sheikh Maqsoud, a Kurdish-majority neighborhood in northern Aleppo.
– Recent Clashes: The latest round of violence in Aleppo erupted earlier this week after negotiations aimed at integrating Kurdish forces into Syria’s new government stalled.
– Casualties and Displacement: At least 12 individuals were killed during this outbreak of conflict, leading to the displacement of tens of thousands of civilians who fled from Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh.
Escalation of Violence
– Shelling and Military Designations: The Syrian army began shelling the area on Wednesday, classifying the neighborhoods as closed military areas in response to alleged attacks by armed groups.
– SDF Response: The Kurdish-led SDF refuted the claims, labeling the military actions a criminal attempt to forcibly displace residents.
Challenges in Negotiations
– Ceasefire Attempts: Earlier in the week, a ceasefire was proposed, but Kurdish forces initially resisted leaving their last stronghold in Sheikh Maqsoud as part of the deal.
– Previous Agreements: In March 2025, the SDF, which governs much of northeastern Syria and comprises tens of thousands of fighters, signed an agreement to incorporate all military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state. However, neither side has successfully realized this agreement nearly a year later, with both accusing each other of sabotage.
International Mediation Efforts
The newest ceasefire agreement was facilitated by the United States and other global powers amidst rising concerns that the stalemate in Aleppo could provoke Turkey’s involvement. Turkey, a supporter of the Syrian government, has labeled the Kurdish militia, which dominates the SDF, as a terrorist organization.
– U.S. Diplomatic Efforts: On Saturday, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, noted in a post to X that he had met with the Syrian president. He urged all involved parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately cease hostilities, and return to dialogue in line with the March agreement. Barrack emphasized that the U.S. welcomes Syria’s historic transition and will support President Ahmed al-Sharaa as he strives to stabilize the nation.
The departure of the last Kurdish forces from Aleppo marks a crucial development in the ongoing conflict. As the region finds itself at a crossroads, the focus now shifts to the potential for durable peace and stability in Syria.