DAMASCUS, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Syrian government forces deployed on Friday in Aleppo's predominantly Kurdish Ashrafieh neighborhood following the retreat of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as authorities work to remove SDF fighters from the contested Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood.
Emergency authorities chief Raed al-Saleh said the authorities have started operations in former SDF-held neighborhoods, removing barriers, reopening roads, and surveying to clear war remnants for civilian safety.
"These efforts are part of national initiatives aimed at restoring stability, protecting lives and enabling residents to return safely to their neighborhoods, while addressing residual risks left by years of conflict," al-Saleh told state TV al-Ikhbariya.
Buses have gathered around the perimeter of the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood to facilitate the withdrawal of SDF fighters, in line with arrangements announced by the Syrian defense authorities earlier on Friday, al-Ikhbariya reported.
According to the announcement, the SDF fighters are expected to be transferred later on Friday, carrying only light personal weapons, to Kurdish-controlled areas in northeastern Syria.
The Syrian defense authorities announced late Thursday a ceasefire in the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh and Bani Zaid, urging SDF fighters to leave the area before 9:00 a.m. local time on Friday.
However, state media reported that when buses initially assembled to transport the fighters, SDF elements who refused to leave opened fire on the vehicles, forcing a temporary withdrawal. The buses later returned to positions at neighborhood entrances, indicating that the withdrawal agreement remains in effect.
The developments came after days of clashes between Syrian government forces and the SDF in northern Aleppo, which displaced civilians and prompted authorities to impose curfews and other security measures. ■
