Civilians Complain of Harassment and Excessive Searches at Transitional Government Checkpoints in Aleppo

New checkpoints established by the transitional government forces in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods of Aleppo have witnessed controversial behavior by members of the 60th and 72nd divisions affiliated with the transitional government, according to testimonies from several civilians.

Citizens and eyewitnesses confirmed that some of these forces verbally abused passersby using offensive language and deliberately obstructed civilian movement, causing widespread discontent in the affected neighborhoods.

One resident, who requested anonymity, said she was verbally insulted while returning from Al-Razi Hospital, located in transitional government-controlled areas, by checkpoint personnel who referred to people entering the neighborhood with derogatory terms.

Local sources also reported that personnel were inspecting phones by connecting them to the internet to track notifications, a clear violation of individual privacy. Another woman stated that she was forced to open her bag, which contained medical documents and personal belongings, raising concerns about the violation of freedom of movement and women’s privacy.

Our agency has previously documented similar practices in recent days, where transitional government forces pressured civilians and searched their belongings at the entrances of these neighborhoods.

Informed sources confirmed that the personnel manning these checkpoints belong to the 60th and 72nd divisions under the Ministry of Defense of the Syrian transitional government.

So far, no official response has been issued by the relevant authorities regarding these incidents.