Aleppo, Jan 11 (V7N) — The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have agreed to withdraw their fighters from two areas under their control in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, following four days of intense and deadly clashes. The withdrawal is taking place under a ceasefire agreement, officials confirmed on Sunday.

In a statement, the SDF said its members have begun moving from Aleppo toward the northeastern city of Tabqa. Following the ceasefire, displaced residents of Aleppo have started returning to their homes as the security situation shows signs of stabilization.

Scenes on the streets of Aleppo reflect cautious relief. Lines of residents were seen returning to their neighborhoods—some smiling, others in tears of joy—as fighting subsided after days of violence. With the withdrawal underway, Kurdish fighters are leaving areas they had controlled in the city.

The ceasefire was reportedly brokered by the United States and Western mediators. Both the Syrian administration and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi confirmed the agreement in separate statements.

Since last Tuesday, Sheikh Maqsud, Al-Ashrafiya, and Bani Zayed—areas under Kurdish control in Aleppo—had turned into battlegrounds amid clashes between government forces and the SDF. Government troops surrounded the city, deploying large numbers of soldiers along with tanks and armored vehicles. Amid heavy shelling and fighting, SDF fighters were effectively encircled, prompting negotiations that led to the ceasefire. Under the agreement, SDF forces agreed to stop fighting and withdraw safely from the city.

Ali Hannoura, Deputy Governor of Aleppo, said the evacuation process was underway.

“The administration is completely evacuating SDF members from Sheikh Maqsud. This process may take several hours or continue until tomorrow. We advise residents to remain in shelters during this time, though it is not mandatory. Ensuring civilian safety is our top priority,” he said.

According to Syrian media reports, SDF members began withdrawing from Sheikh Maqsud toward Tabqa on Sunday, in line with the terms of the agreement. Civilian movement into the affected neighborhoods resumed shortly after the ceasefire announcement.

Observers note that tensions between the Syrian administration and Kurdish forces have intensified since the Sharia-led government came to power in late 2024, particularly over issues of political and territorial unification. While SDF fighters are leaving Aleppo, they remain reluctant to relinquish control over large areas in northeastern Syria, leaving the broader conflict unresolved.

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