Sheikh Maqsoud

Sheikh Maqsoud is a neighborhood in Aleppo, Syria, recently the site of intense clashes between the Syrian Army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in January 2026. The SDF, a Kurdish-led group, had previously controlled the area. The recent fighting made Sheikh Maqsoud newsworthy as it represented a significant escalation in the Syrian conflict, impacting civilians and leading to displacement. The fighting began after the Syrian army observed the arrival of more SDF forces in the area. A ceasefire was initially declared but quickly collapsed, leading to renewed strikes by the Syrian army and a declared military operation in Sheikh Maqsoud. Eventually, a ceasefire deal was reached through international mediation, resulting in the withdrawal of the last SDF fighters from Aleppo, including Sheikh Maqsoud. Syrian government forces are now conducting security sweeps for explosives and weapons as residents cautiously return. The events highlight the complex dynamics of the Syrian conflict and the ongoing struggle for control of key areas.