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Aleppo: Attack on a Checkpoint and Casualties in Clashes
Elements affiliated with the Ministry of Defense of the Syrian Interim Government recently attacked a joint checkpoint near Shihan Roundabout in Aleppo. The attack resulted in serious injuries to two internal security forces members, known as Asayish, who were transferred to the hospital for treatment. Following the attack, the city experienced a wide-scale security alert.
On October 11, intense clashes took place around the neighborhoods of Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsood in Aleppo, resulting in the deaths of three people: two members of the internal security forces, one member of the Ministry of Defense, in addition to a civilian and a member of public security. Consequently, the death toll from the clashes rose to five, including two from the internal security forces, one from the Ministry of Defense, one from public security, and a civilian.
Prior to these events, on October 6, limited clashes occurred between protesters and public security forces, involving the use of tear gas amid escalating security tensions. This period also saw heavy weapon and drone strikes, internet and communication outages, which increased the region's isolation and made communication with residents difficult.
The neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyeh are currently controlled by local forces affiliated with the Autonomous Administration, while government forces control the entrances. Pro-Turkish factions surround the areas, and internal tensions among these groups have heightened, leading some members of the public security forces to withdraw from checkpoints, allowing for increased military and security operations.
Currently, the areas of these neighborhoods are under cautious calm, with residents fearing renewed clashes, as many families have begun to leave the region amid rising racist rhetoric against the local population.
Widespread protests have also erupted in Raqqa, Ayn al-Arab ("Kobani"), Hasakah, Qamishli, and Amuda, condemning the closure of roads and the blockade of Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods since the evening of October 6, following an explosion of a bomb in the area.
