SDF leader Mazloum Abdi arrives in Damascus to meet with Ahmed al Sharaa
A high-level delegation from the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Autonomous Administration arrived in the Syrian capital, Damascus, headed by SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi.
The visit comes after a bloody night of violent clashes in Aleppo, specifically in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods.
The delegation includes prominent figures, including Rohlat Afrin, commander of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), and Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of the Autonomous Administration’s Foreign Relations Department.
They are scheduled to meet with Syrian transitional President Ahmed al Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani.
The meeting, held in Damascus, is under direct US auspices, with the attendance of US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack and Commander of US Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper, according to Kurdish media reports.
Informed sources indicate that the meetings aim to discuss ways to implement the March 10 agreement concluded between the SDF and the Syrian government, in addition to issues such as lifting sanctions, stimulating investment, and the return of displaced persons.
During a previous meeting between Abdi and the US delegation, the two sides renewed their commitment to continuing their partnership in the fight against ISIS and working to enhance stability in northern and eastern Syria.
Barrack emphasized that this visit reflects Washington’s support for a vision based on uniting Syrians and achieving peace and development.
On Monday evening, the city of Aleppo witnessed violent clashes between government forces and the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), concentrated in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods.
Heavy weapons were used, resulting in deaths and injuries on both sides, in addition to civilian casualties, according to local sources.
Meanwhile, all roads leading to the conflict zones were completely closed, while operations to evacuate a number of families from the areas of tension began.
After hours of clashes, the parties reached a ceasefire agreement in the two disputed neighborhoods, according to local media reports.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense announced that the army’s movements were part of a redeployment in the north of the country, in response to “repeated attacks by SDF forces against civilians and security forces”.
However, the Syrian Ministry of Defense stressed its full commitment to the March 10 Agreement, denying any intention to launch a new military operation in the region.
In contrast, the SDF issued a statement confirming the withdrawal of its forces from the areas of tension pursuant to a previous agreement reached on April 1, rejecting the accusations against it.
The SDF accused factions loyal to the Damascus government of imposing a suffocating siege on Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, cutting off humanitarian and medical supplies, carrying out arbitrary arrests, and escalating artillery shelling, resulting in civilian casualties and deaths.
According to official sources, three members of the Syrian security forces were killed and others injured in shelling targeting neighborhoods in Aleppo.
