The Syrian army announced that it has completed a full security sweep of the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood in Aleppo, seizing several heavy and medium weapons as well as large quantities of ammunition previously used by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
Earlier, the army’s Operations Command urged civilians to remain inside their homes and avoid going out, citing the presence of SDF and Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) elements hiding among residents. The command added that civilians could contact military units deployed in the neighborhood in case of emergencies or to report the presence of armed elements.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense said the operation was carried out slowly and with a high level of caution, noting that SDF fighters had positioned themselves inside civilian homes and used residents as human shields, significantly complicating field operations.
Videos circulated on social media showing scenes from inside Sheikh Maqsoud following the completion of the army’s sweep.
Meanwhile, US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack reaffirmed his support for consolidating the ceasefire and for the peaceful withdrawal of SDF forces from Aleppo, as well as backing the Syrian government’s efforts to ensure Syria’s security and unity.