Ashrafieh

Ashrafieh is a neighborhood located in Aleppo, Syria. Recent news focuses on intense clashes that occurred there between the Syrian Army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in early January 2026. These battles, which also affected neighboring Sheikh Maqsoud, led to significant displacement (around 155,000 people) and casualties. The fighting, described as the most intense in Syria for over six months, prompted a ceasefire announcement by the Syrian government, which subsequently collapsed and then was reinstated. Under the ceasefire terms, SDF fighters were to withdraw from contested neighborhoods, including Ashrafieh. Following the SDF withdrawal, Syrian forces conducted security sweeps, searching for explosives and weapons. The events highlight the ongoing instability and conflict in Syria and the complex relationships between various factions, including the Syrian government and Kurdish forces. The drone strike on a governorate building signifies an escalation of the conflict beyond the immediate neighborhoods.