The Syrian news agency (SANA) reported on Tuesday evening that a meeting was held with Barak and Cooper in the presence of the Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad Al-Shibani, the Defense Minister, Marhuf Abu Qasra, and the head of the General Intelligence Agency, Hussein Al-Salama. The agency stated that during the meeting, the latest developments in the Syrian arena were discussed, along with ways to support the political process and enhance security and stability, in addition to discussing mechanisms for implementing the agreement of March 10th, aimed at preserving the unity and sovereignty of Syrian territories.
Fierce clashes erupted on Monday between forces loyal to the Damascus government and the “Syrian Democratic Forces” around the Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo city, where heavy weapons were used, resulting in casualties among soldiers and civilians. According to a correspondent, these clashes led to the closure of roads leading to the neighborhoods, with efforts to secure the evacuation of several families from the area.
Local sources told “Sputnik” that a ceasefire agreement was reached between government forces and local Kurdish factions in the Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafieh neighborhoods within Aleppo city after intense clashes between the two sides lasted for several hours, causing casualties on both sides and injuries among civilians in the area.
A statement noted that the army’s movements are part of a redeployment plan in northern and northeastern Syria, in response to “repeated attacks” by the SDF targeting civilians and security forces. The ministry affirmed its commitment to the March 10th agreement, denying any intention to launch military operations, stating that the army’s goal is to protect civilians and their properties.
In contrast, the “Syrian Democratic Forces” issued a statement denying the accusations against them, confirming that they withdrew from the area under previous understandings on April 1st. Official sources reported that three security forces were killed and others wounded, while the “Syria Now” channel’s correspondent, Bahaa Al-Halabi, was injured in his side due to gunfire and shells in the Kurdish neighborhoods.
