Aleppo authorities suspended work across much of the city today, December 23, following a security escalation that officials say resulted from Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) attacks on civilian neighborhoods and security positions. Aleppo Governor Azzam Gharib announced the closure of public and private schools, universities and government departments in the city center after a child and his mother were killed and at least 15 civilians were injured, according to the Syrian Interior Ministry.
In a statement on his official X account, Gharib said the decision excluded medical and emergency services. The Interior Ministry said casualties in the city were caused by indiscriminate shelling and sniper fire carried out by SDF forces in populated areas, adding that most of the wounded were women and children. The injured were transferred to Al-Razi and University hospitals. The ministry reported that Al-Razi Hospital came under bombardment as the wounded arrived, though medical staff continued working despite the risks.
Security Forces and Civil Defense Targeted
Internal security units reinforced their deployment in affected neighborhoods, including Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, to secure civilians and limit movement near bombardment zones. The Syrian Civil Defense said fires broke out in the Jamiliya and Sheikh Taha neighborhoods as a result of shelling and gunfire.
The Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management reported that two Civil Defense members were injured when their clearly marked vehicle was fired upon near the Al-Sheehan roundabout. Minister Raed al-Saleh described the targeting of humanitarian workers as a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
The Syrian Ministry of Defense told SANA that the SDF initiated the escalation by attacking internal security and army deployment points near Ashrafieh, causing injuries among security personnel. The ministry denied SDF claims that government forces launched the attack and said army units only responded to sources of fire without attempting to change lines of control.
Ceasefire Violations and Political Context
The violence unfolded amid efforts to uphold the March 10 agreement, which calls for integrating SDF forces into state institutions. Interior Ministry spokesman Nouruddin al-Baba said the government remains committed to the agreement and prefers arrangements that protect civilians from chaos. Baba accused the SDF of attempting to undermine the agreement ahead of its year-end deadline, while stressing that Damascus would not be drawn into provocations.
The violence began yesterday as sporadic clashes followed a sniper attack on an internal security checkpoint near the Al-Sheehan. After mediation efforts, the Syrian army said it halted fire following orders from the General Staff, while the SDF announced it had instructed its forces to cease fire in response to de-escalation calls.
Regional Pressure and Fragile Calm
The clashes coincided with a visit to Damascus by a senior Turkish delegation led by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Fidan said implementation of the March 10 agreement remains essential and warned that the SDF has shown little seriousness toward integration.
Syria TV reported that the US pressed both sides to halt the fighting to prevent wider escalation. By this morning, a cautious calm had returned to Aleppo, though officials and residents remain wary as negotiations continue under mounting regional and international scrutiny.
