Kurdish human rights officials are warning of an escalating crisis in northern Syria as violations of ceasefire agreements continue in two strategic Aleppo neighborhoods, despite international commitments to protect civilian populations.
İbrahim Şêxo, Director of the Afrin Human Rights Organization, told ANF that the situation in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods is reaching a critical point. “If the blockade and attacks continue, the situation will deteriorate further,” Şêxo warned, highlighting the plight of approximately 500,000 residents, predominantly Kurdish, who are struggling to maintain their daily lives under siege.
Agreement Violated Within Months
The crisis centers on the systematic violation of an April 1, 2025 agreement signed between the General Council of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods and Syria’s transitional government. The accord was meant to guarantee the neighborhoods’ autonomy and protect residents’ rights. However, according to Şêxo, Damascus has consistently breached these commitments.
“The transitional government violated this agreement and continues to do so,” Şêxo stated. “The people of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah are being threatened, and as a result, two neighborhood residents were killed in clashes on October 6, with many others wounded.”
Systematic Harassment and Arbitrary Detention
Turkish-backed militia groups Ahrar al-Sham and Hamza Division have established numerous checkpoints surrounding both neighborhoods, where Kurdish youth are routinely detained without charges. Şêxo reports that these groups have increased checkpoint numbers in recent days, with multiple cases of torture documented against young Kurds and at least one woman.
“They are threatening to massacre citizens, children, and the population,” Şêxo said. “These violations aim to empty Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah of their residents.”
The blockade has severed vital supply routes, with roads connecting the neighborhoods to northeastern Syria closed by the transitional government. This has prevented residents from accessing basic necessities and medical supplies.
Echoes of Past Conflicts
Şêxo drew parallels to previous assaults on the neighborhoods. “From 2013 to 2016, dozens of militia groups announced their formations and jointly attacked Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah,” he recalled. “Now they want to repeat their attacks.”
He questioned the transitional government’s role in the current crisis. “The government’s position on this matter is unclear, which raises an important question: If the transitional government is not with them, what measures is it taking against these militia groups?”
International Action Urgently Needed
The human rights director called on international organizations to document ongoing violations and conduct independent investigations. “What is required from international organizations today is to document these violations and attacks and bring them to light,” Şêxo emphasized. “These documents must reach international investigation committees to ensure justice is served.”
He warned that failure to address the crisis could have dire consequences. “If these documents do not reach the relevant authorities and these issues are not focused on, the situation will lead to a bigger and more difficult crisis.”
Despite a ceasefire announced on October 7 following a meeting between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi, reports indicate that arbitrary detentions continued within hours of the agreement. The ongoing tensions reflect deeper questions about Kurdish autonomy and integration into Syria’s post-conflict governance structure.
As the blockade enters its second week, residents and human rights advocates fear the situation could spiral into a humanitarian catastrophe without immediate international intervention.
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