Heavy clashes between Syrian Arab Army forces and the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) intensified in Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods between 9:36 PM and 10:05 PM UTC on October 6th, 2025, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread disruption. The conflict escalated after Syrian government forces reportedly used tear gas and live bullets against protesters in Sheikh Maqsoud, who had gathered to break a siege. According to an unverified report from azelin, at least 50 individuals were injured. During this 28-minute reporting window, an SDF mortar shell reportedly landed in the Saif Al-Dawla neighborhood of Aleppo, causing the death of one civilian, according to an X post by ivarmm. The Syrian Army's Ministry of Defense confirmed deploying an anti-tank missile to neutralize an SDF heavy machine gun used in Sheikh Maqsoud district, as reported by QalaatAlMudiq. Simultaneously, the Self-management, an administrative body, stated that the ongoing events in Aleppo demonstrate a lack of seriousness in finding a comprehensive solution and criticized the reliance on weapons over dialogue, as reported by televisionSyria. The situation is described as the largest military escalation between Damascus and SDF forces since the fall of the regime, according to azelin. This escalation included the Syrian Army discovering and detonating an SDF tunnel near Aleppo, followed by the sealing of all but one exit to the Kurdish neighborhoods of Shaykh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah. Protests by locals against these closures led to the use of tear gas and live ammunition by government forces. In response, SDF forces began shelling government-controlled areas in Aleppo, which has reportedly resulted in the death of one member of the internal security forces and injuries to three others, according to azelin. Military reinforcements for the SDF are reportedly preparing to move towards the city of Aleppo, as stated by Eastern Naqimi correspondent. Earlier in the day, between 8:08 PM and 9:36 PM UTC, heavy clashes had already been reported in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, with casualties on both sides and civilian impact. The Syrian Army's Ministry of Defense stated its movements were part of a redeployment plan following repeated SDF attacks. Conversely, the SDF denied targeting security barriers and accused government factions of imposing a siege. Syria TV reported that mosques broadcast loudspeaker announcements urging civilians not to leave these neighborhoods. Further context from earlier in the day indicates that the Syrian Army discovered and detonated a tunnel dug by SDF forces under areas controlled by Damascus near a joint checkpoint in Sheikh Maqsoud. While no casualties were reported from the tunnel detonation itself, nearby buildings sustained damage, according to QalaatAlMudiq. The Interior Ministry spokesman, Noureddine Pope, stated that the SDF had not adhered to the March 10th agreement and had created provocations. Protests organized by SDF militia against earlier road closures to the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh districts had occurred between 4:38 PM and 5:06 PM UTC on October 6th, 2025. These protests followed road closures by security forces between 5:07 PM and 5:38 PM UTC. During this period, at least 15 civilians were reportedly injured by live bullets and tear gas fired by government-affiliated groups and HTS terrorists during protests, as noted in previous reports.
