Syria defends Aleppo operation, says goal is to restore state authority

The Syrian government has characterized its recent security intervention in Aleppo as a necessary step to prevent armed groups from using Syrian territory to destabilize the region. In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Saturday, Damascus described the operation as a measured response to restore public order and uphold previously agreed security arrangements.

Nature of the Operation

According to the ministry, the action in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods was a “limited law-enforcement measure” rather than a broad military campaign. It stressed that the goal was to reestablish the state’s exclusive control over security and prevent non-state armed activities. The statement clarified that the operation did not seek demographic change or target any ethnic or religious community, noting that the Kurdish population remains “an integral part of Aleppo’s social fabric.”

Background and Justification

Damascus pointed to the collapse of security agreements reached with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in April 2025, which were intended to end unauthorized military presence in the two neighborhoods. The ministry accused the SDF of repeated violations, including shelling residential areas and recruiting minors, which led to civilian casualties and widespread displacement. In response, Syrian authorities said they prioritized civilian protection by setting up humanitarian corridors and coordinating with aid organizations.

Regional Acknowledgments

The Foreign Ministry extended gratitude to several countries, including Türkiye, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, France, and the United Kingdom, as well as Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, for what it called their “constructive role in supporting Syria’s stability and territorial unity.” The statement underlined that restoring full state control over weapons is essential for advancing the political process and ensuring long-term stability across Syria.