Russia Expresses Concern Over Renewed Tensions and Clashes in Syria
Moscow calls for de-escalation after armed confrontations in Aleppo between US-backed SDF and Syrian Transitional Government forces
Syria, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Russia has voiced concern over renewed tensions in Syria following clashes between the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and forces affiliated with the Syrian Transitional Government’s Defense Ministry in Aleppo.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on Wednesday that Moscow is closely following the developments and emphasized the need to prevent further escalation.
“We are concerned about the new round of tensions in Syria, and we welcome the political will demonstrated by both sides, which has allowed the violence to cease,” Zakharova said.
“We hope that the necessary conditions will be created to avoid further bloodshed and achieve sustainable de-escalation. Preventing civilian casualties is, of course, particularly urgent.”
Clashes Erupt in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya Neighborhoods
On October 7, intense clashes broke out in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya neighborhoods, marking a new escalation in northern Syria.
The fighting involved SDF units and government-affiliated forces under the Syrian Transitional Government’s Defense Ministry.
According to the SDF-linked Hawar News Agency, several civilians suffered suffocation from tear gas during protests over the closure of neighborhood entry points by General Security forces. The outlet also reported that government forces shelled the area with mortars, worsening the situation.
Civilian Casualties and Conflicting Reports
Meanwhile, Syria’s official news agency SANA reported that SDF fighters attacked internal security checkpoints near the two neighborhoods, killing one member of the Internal Security Forces and wounding three others.
The report added that heavy gunfire near al-Ardir Bridge left several civilians wounded. According to SANA, the SDF continued shelling residential areas with mortars and heavy weapons, prompting the Internal Security Forces to evacuate several families to safety.
For its part, the SDF accused Damascus-affiliated factions of carrying out repeated attacks against civilians in Aleppo, claiming that government forces targeted residential areas with mortar shells and drones.
Ceasefire Reached Late in the Night
By late evening, a ceasefire agreement was reached between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Transitional Authority forces, bringing a temporary halt to the violence in Aleppo. (PW)