Following a declared ceasefire in Kurdish-populated neighborhoods of Aleppo, the situation in the city has changed significantly. After three harrowing days, a certain calm now prevails, though the risk of renewed military conflict remains, said Maria Gabrielyan, spokesperson for the Armenian Diocese of Beroea and former Syrian parliamentarian, speaking on recent developments, particularly from the Armenian community’s perspective.
“After three horrific days, today the situation is entirely different; a degree of calm has returned,” Gabrielyan said, noting that the Syrian army and Kurdish forces last clashed earlier in the morning, Armenpress reports.
According to her, Syrian forces have regained control over areas previously held by Kurdish units.
“Efforts are now underway to withdraw Kurdish forces from the districts of Ashrafieh, Sheikh Maqsoud, and Bani Zeid and transfer them to the eastern bank of the Euphrates. Combat has ceased entirely, and displaced residents from the three neighborhoods have been urged to prepare for return. Thank God, the three-day clashes ended with minimal damage,” she said.
However, Gabrielyan warned that the situation remains fragile. In recent hours, tensions resurfaced in Sheikh Maqsoud, where Kurdish forces reportedly refused to withdraw.
“Things are changing by the hour. It appears there's a problem in Sheikh Maqsoud, and fighting could resume,” she added.
Local authorities have issued a statement inviting displaced residents to return, while the Syrian army prepares to begin demining and securing the area.
Gabrielyan also said that if the situation stabilizes, public and educational institutions are expected to resume operations on Sunday.
Additionally, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. local time, the Syrian army opened humanitarian corridors for those wishing to leave Sheikh Maqsoud and called on Kurdish forces to disarm. Gabrielyan warned that failure to comply could trigger a new phase of military operations.
As for the Armenian community, Gabrielyan said they were largely unharmed.
“Armenians were not significantly affected. A few homes were damaged, and windows were shattered in several dozen houses,” she noted.
On January 6, fighting erupted in Halep between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian army, resulting in civilian casualties and significant property damage. On January 9, Syria’s Defense Ministry announced a ceasefire in the Ashrafieh, Sheikh Maqsoud, and Bani Zeid districts. The army demanded Kurdish withdrawal, allowing them to carry only light personal weapons, and offered to ensure their safe passage to northeastern Syria.
