Closure of Sheikh Maqsoud Neighborhood Entrances Sparks Peaceful Protests in Aleppo

The Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood in the city of Aleppo witnessed popular protests on Monday evening, involving dozens of residents. The demonstrations were held in rejection of the continued closure of all roads and entrances leading to the neighborhood by the Syrian Interim Government forces.

Local sources told DELIL24 that the protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the measures imposed since the morning, following an explosion whose details remain unclear. They consider the closure to exacerbate living conditions and hinder residents’ movement between Sheikh Maqsoud and Al-Ashrafieh neighborhoods.

These restrictions have caused an almost complete halt to mobility and the entry of essential goods into both neighborhoods, raising fears of a deteriorating humanitarian situation, especially amid shortages of food and medicine.

Sheikh Maqsoud is predominantly Kurdish and is under local administration affiliated with the Autonomous Administration, while government forces control the entrances and exits.

Sources also indicated that residents intend to organize a peaceful sit-in at the Al-Awarid checkpoint, located between the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) and the Public Security affiliated with the Interim Government, demanding the reopening of roads and ensuring freedom of movement.

No official statements have been issued so far by government or local authorities regarding the reasons for the closure or the expected duration.