December 2025 Aleppo clashes
The December 2025 Aleppo clashes were a continuation of the broader SDF–Syrian transitional government clashes following the breach of the ceasefire agreement of 7 October 2025, which was reached after clashes in October. The clashes ended with the reimplementation of the ceasefire, with one breach reported on 26 December.
Background
10 March agreement
During the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Turkey and its affiliated militant group, the Syrian National Army, launched various offensives against Kurdish-controlled areas east of the Euphrates. Following months of fighting, which stalled near the Tishrin Dam, and an SDF counteroffensive in December 2024, SDF leader Mazloum Abdi and Syrian transitional government leader Ahmed al-Sharaa signed the U.S.-backed 10 March agreement, which implemented a country-wide ceasefire and laid out principles for the integration of the DAANES into the new Syrian government. It envisaged equal representation for minorities in the political process and proposed integrating the SDF's military and civilian structures into the new Syrian state, while allowing the SDF to retain de facto control over border posts and oil fields in Kurdish areas. A follow-up agreement in April, which was reportedly also brokered with American involvement, established a joint security framework for the Kurdish enclaves in Sheikh Maqsood and al-Ashrafiyah, Aleppo. The neighborhoods remained under the control of the Asayish and several smaller Aleppo-based Kurdish groups.Delays in implementing the 10 March agreement, with both sides accusing each other of obstruction, along with the cancellation of the SDF–Syria talks in Paris on 25 July and again on 9–10 August, heightened hostilities between the AANES and the Syrian government, which, according to Hawar News Agency and the Institute for the Study of War, was facing increasing Turkish pressure.
Earlier tensions and blockade of SDF-controlled neighborhoods in Aleppo
In the beginning of July 2025, tensions in Aleppo increased when government forces blocked fuel supplies from reaching the Kurdish-majority and SDF-controlled neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsood and al-Ashrafiyah. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights described the blockade as a continuation of "old regime tactics." In August, Nouri Sheikho, Deputy Head of the General Council of Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyeh, told Kurdistan24 that tensions had risen in recent days following the "Unity of Components" conference in Hasakah.Government reinforcements were subsequently regularly deployed to the vicinity of Sheikh Maqsood and al-Ashrafiyah in what was described as a "show-of-force operation" intended to raise fears of a possible field escalation.
By the beginning of October, Kurdish news outlets reported that the Syrian Army had escalated measures by constructing earthen barriers and blocking roads on the outskirts of Sheikh Maqsood and al-Ashrafiyah, as well as barricading streets and establishing positions inside residential buildings. The SOHR confirmed the Syrian army's military buildup near the neighbourhoods.
Clashes briefly erupted on 5-7 October and resulted in 3 deaths and over 26 injuries.
Clashes
On 22 December 2025, clashes erupted between Syrian transitional government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces. The Syrian government stated that SDF units had targeted a checkpoint in Aleppo, injuring two civil defense personnel. In response, the SDF alleged that a Syrian government attack wounded two members of the Asayish.The clashes began during a visit by a high-level Turkish delegation to Damascus, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense as well as the head of intelligence, and shortly before the reported end-of-year deadline for implementing the 10 March agreement.
Fighting initially involved small arms before escalating to artillery and medium- and heavy-weapons fire. SDF attacks reportedly affected several neighborhoods, including al-Jamiliya, Bustan al-Basha, al-Midan, al-Suryan, and al-Sabil, with snipers active near the al-Layramoun and al-Shayhan roundabouts in northern Aleppo. One mortar shell reportedly landed near al-Razi hospital. These areas are adjacent to Sheikh Maqsood and al-Ashrafiyah, where SDF forces maintain a strong presence.
According to Syrian state media, SDF units attempted to advance on government security positions, described as a "new violation" of the ceasefire agreement. The clashes also led to the closure of all access routes to Sheikh Maqsood and al-Ashrafiyah. Following the fighting, local authorities raised the readiness of emergency, disaster, health, and social services, advising residents to remain indoors. Aleppo governor, Azzam al-Gharib, temporarily suspended operations on 23 December for all public and private schools, universities, and government offices across the city.
Tensions shortly spread to eastern Syria, where SDF reinforcements were reportedly deployed to the village of Ghanem al-Ali near Syrian army-controlled areas in the Raqqa Governorate's countryside. At the same time, unmanned aerial vehicles were observed over the town of Ma'adan, under government control.
Hostilities subsided around 22:00 local time, as representatives of the Syrian government and SDF entered talks aimed at calming the situation and reaffirming the ceasefire. According to the Syrian Ministry of Defense, the clashes ended after orders were issued by the army's general command to halt strikes on SDF positions to prevent civilian casualties. The SDF stated it ceased its response after receiving calls for de-escalation, noting the decision was intended to restore calm.
The following day, 23 December, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Kurdish neighborhoods remained under siege, with electricity and water cut off, key roads closed, and internet services disrupted.
On 26 December, the head of Internal Security in Aleppo, Mohammed Abdul Ghani, stated that snipers of the SDF opened fire on an Interior Ministry checkpoint near al-Shihan Roundabout in northern Aleppo, resulting in injuries to one member of the Internal Security Forces, who was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment. He said that security units responded to the source of the fire and neutralized it in line with established operational procedures. Abdul Ghani also urged civilians to avoid areas experiencing tension for their own safety and called on them to comply with official instructions.
Abdul Ghani held the SDF fully responsible for any escalation or consequences arising from what he described as repeated violations, stressing that continued breaches of ceasefires and attacks on security positions would prompt appropriate measures.
In response, the SDF media center accused what it described as factions linked to the Damascus government of deploying tanks and heavy military vehicles around the al-Ashrafieh neighborhood, calling it an escalation. The center stated that those factions would bear full responsibility for any resulting consequences.
Clashes later renewed on 6 January 2026.
Reactions
Domestic
- : The Ministry of Interior said that the SDF attacked Internal Security Forces checkpoints despite existing agreements, while the Ministry of Defense rejected allegations that government forces had attacked SDF positions, asserting that the SDF had carried out an assault on army and security checkpoints. The clashes coincided with comments from Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani during a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Damascus. Al-Shaibani stated that the Syrian government had "seen no serious initiative" from the SDF to implement the 10 March agreement, accusing the group of delaying its integration into state institutions. He added that the government had offered a proposal to the SDF to allow flexibility, received their response the previous day, and that the Ministry of Defense was currently reviewing it, warning that any delay by the SDF in integrating with the Syrian army could negatively affect stability in eastern Syria.
- SDF / : Following mutual accusations over the shelling, the SDF denied claims by "Damascus-affiliated security and military agencies" that their units had targeted neighborhoods in Aleppo. The Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration issued a counter-statement accusing Syrian government forces of attacking the Kurdish-majority neighborhoods in Aleppo, claiming that the aim was to undermine efforts toward a comprehensive political solution addressing the aspirations of all Syrians.
International
- : During the joint press conference in Damascus, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the importance of integrating the SDF into the Syrian administration in a transparent manner. He warned that any further delays could threaten the unity and stability of Syria's territory. Fidan noted that the SDF appeared unwilling to implement its integration into the Syrian armed forces before the end-of-year deadline, cautioning that Ankara's patience was running thin. He stressed that Turkey hopes to avoid military action, but added that continued procrastination could alter the current situation. Fidan also claimed that some SDF operations were being coordinated with Israel, describing this as a major obstacle to ongoing negotiations with the Syrian government.
- : The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling for de-escalation, an end to violence, and the protection of civilians, while emphasizing the importance of preserving Syria's security and territorial integrity. The statement expressed deep concern over the rapid escalation of clashes in northern Syria, particularly in Aleppo, and the accompanying acts of violence that endanger civilians and threaten the country's stability. Egypt stressed that a sustainable resolution to the Syrian crisis requires a comprehensive political process based on dialogue, taking into account the interests of all segments of the Syrian population within the framework of the national state and its institutions.