Syria declares ceasefire in three Aleppo neighbourhoods

Syria’s Defence Ministry announced a ceasefire on January 9 in the Aleppo neighbourhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Bani Zaid, after several days of fighting between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and government troops.

“Out of full concern for the safety of our civilians in Aleppo, and to prevent any slide into renewed military escalation within residential neighbourhoods, the Ministry of Defenсe declares a ceasefire in Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Bani Zaid neighboгrhoods, effective from 03:00 after midnight,” the ministry said in a statement, saying the move is intended to end the military situation there and pave the way for the restoration of state authority, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The ministry called on armed groups in the three neighbourhoods to leave the area starting at 03:00 after midnight, setting a deadline of 09:00 a.m. on January 9.

According to the statement, departing militants will be allowed to carry only their personal light weapons. The Syrian Arab Army will provide escorts and guarantee their safe passage to areas in northeastern Syria.

The ministry said the measure is aimed at ending the military presence in the neighbourhoods, restoring law and official institutions, and enabling residents who were forced to flee to return to their homes and resume normal life in “an atmosphere of security and stability.”

It urged all parties to strictly adhere to the deadline in order to ensure safety and prevent clashes on the ground, adding that internal security forces, in coordination with the Operations Authority of the Syrian Arab Army, will organise the withdrawal process toward northeastern Syria.

On January 6, 2026, heavy clashes resumed in northern Aleppo between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), primarily in the predominantly Kurdish neighbourhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh (Achrafieh). These districts have remained under SDF control despite earlier ceasefire agreements.

At least 22 people have been killed since then, including nine civilians, according to health officials.

By Sabina Mammadli