Aleppo: Trkiye's ambassador to Damascus expressed Ankara's anticipation for the peaceful implementation of a March 10 agreement in Syria, emphasizing that avoiding conflict would enable regional development. Ambassador Nuh Yilmaz, speaking to reporters in Aleppo, highlighted the Syrian administration's exploration of alternative methods since January 1 to implement the agreement, following the failure of the YPG/SDF organization to meet its obligations.
According to Anadolu Agency, Yilmaz stated, "We are eagerly awaiting the implementation of the March 10 agreement without the need for war. This way, there will be no need for war, fighting, or other methods, and we can all focus on a development agenda in peace." He emphasized the significance of negotiation, noting previous unsuccessful attempts to resolve issues and recent attacks on civilians in Sheikh Maksoud and Ashrafiyah, which were calmed through an anti-terror operation.
Yilmaz assured that civilians were treated well during this period and emphasized Trkiye's commitment to assisting the Syrian people and state through humanitarian efforts led by organizations such as AFAD and the Turkish Red Crescent. This visit to Aleppo marked Yilmaz's first trip outside Damascus since his appointment, driven by the desire to witness and commend the restoration of peace and stability in the city.
He noted Aleppo's close ties with Turkish provinces, stating that stability in the city brings "great happiness" to Trkiye. Yilmaz also remarked on the lifting of sanctions and the end of terrorism as pivotal in shaping Aleppo's future. He expressed optimism about the city's rapid recovery and his intent to be among the first to offer congratulations.
Official figures indicate that since last week, the terror group shelled residential neighborhoods, civilian facilities, and Syrian Army positions in Aleppo, resulting in 24 deaths, nearly 130 injuries, and the displacement of 165,000 residents from Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud.
In March, the Syrian presidency announced an agreement for the integration of the SDF group into state institutions, reaffirming the country's unity and rejecting division. A separate agreement in April outlined the administrative status of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, prohibiting armed manifestations and demanding the withdrawal of SDF forces to northeastern Syria. However, authorities reported non-compliance by the SDF group.
Efforts to restore nationwide security have intensified since the ousting of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024, after a 24-year rule.