Aleppo: Authorities Update on Recent Developments Following QSD Escalation and Displacement

A joint press conference was held today at the Aleppo governorate building, led by the city's governor, Azzam Al-Gharib, alongside Information Minister Hamza Al-Moustafa and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Qabwat. They discussed recent developments in the city following the escalation of the QSD organization and its impact on civilians and affected neighborhoods.

QSD Violations and Civilian Targeting

Governor Azzam Al-Gharib stated that the QSD organization had failed to adhere to the April 1 agreement regarding the withdrawal of its forces from the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods. Instead, it continued to target army and internal security positions, as well as nearby areas. He noted that repeated attacks by QSD had resulted in the deaths of six civilians and injuries to over 70 individuals, predominantly women and children. The governor emphasized that the state had exercised patience and called for calm to protect residents before the Syrian Arab Army was compelled to take necessary measures to restore security.

State Institutions Responding to Needs

The governor indicated that once the army completed demining operations, state institutions began entering neighborhoods in coordination with the army to address the needs of affected populations. Al-Gharib confirmed that authorities had welcomed 155,000 displaced individuals from the Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods. A central response committee in Aleppo was established, comprising health, social affairs, and international cooperation departments to ensure the needs of residents are met.

Information and Social Affairs Updates

Information Minister Hamza Al-Moustafa remarked that national media had addressed the events with objectivity and professionalism, clarifying facts and providing accurate information regarding the security and humanitarian situation in the city. Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Qabwat noted that her ministry was working to meet the needs of displaced individuals in accommodation centers in collaboration with civil society and local organizations to ensure the continuity of basic services and humanitarian support.