Aleppo: Authorities Provide Updates Following Escalation and Displacement

Today, a joint press conference was held at the Aleppo provincial building featuring the city’s mayor, Azzam Al-Ghareeb, along with Information Minister Hamza Al-Mustafa and Social Affairs and Labor Minister Hind Qabwat. They discussed the latest developments in the city following the escalation involving the QSD and its impact on the civilian population and affected neighborhoods.

The QSD Violates Agreements and Targets Civilians

Mayor Azzam Al-Ghareeb stated that the QSD has not adhered to the April 1 agreement, which called for the withdrawal of its forces from the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya neighborhoods. Instead, it has continued to attack army positions and internal security forces, as well as neighboring areas. He noted that these repeated QSD assaults have resulted in the deaths of six civilians and injuries to over 70 others, primarily women and children. Al-Ghareeb emphasized that the state has shown patience and called for calm to protect citizens before the Syrian Arab Army is compelled to take necessary measures to restore security.

Return of State Institutions to Provide Services

The mayor indicated that once the army completed its security operations, state service institutions would enter the neighborhoods in collaboration with the military to meet the needs of the affected population. Al-Ghareeb confirmed that authorities have received 155,000 displaced individuals from the Ashrafiya and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods and that a central response committee has been established in Aleppo, encompassing health, social, and labor departments, as well as international cooperation, to address citizens' needs.

Media and Social Affairs

Information Minister Hamza Al-Mustafa stated that the national press has covered events objectively and professionally, providing accurate information about the security and humanitarian situation in the city. Social Affairs and Labor Minister Hind Qabwat explained that her ministry is working to meet the needs of displaced individuals in shelters in collaboration with civil society and local organizations to maintain essential services and humanitarian support.