Damascus: Syrian Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra announced on Tuesday that he reached an agreement with Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in northern and northeastern Syria, following fierce clashes in neighborhoods of Aleppo.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Abu Qasra shared in a post on X that he met Abdi in Damascus, and both sides agreed to a complete ceasefire across all fronts and military positions, with implementation to begin immediately.

Earlier reports from Syrian Al-Ikhbariya TV indicated that a truce had been reached in the Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods of Aleppo after heavy fighting between the Syrian army and SDF forces. The clashes, which involved heavy weapons, resulted in casualties among both military personnel and civilians and led to the closure of roads leading to the affected areas.

The Syrian Ministry of Defense stated that recent army movements were part of a redeployment plan in the north, in response to ‘repeated attacks’ by SDF forces. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to the March 10 agreement, denying any plans for new military operations and emphasizing that the army’s priority is to protect civilians and their property from SDF attacks.

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources revealed that U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Brack and U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper held talks with Abdi and senior officials in northeastern Syria to discuss accelerating the implementation of the March 10 ceasefire agreement with Damascus.

The region has witnessed escalating tensions in recent days, with Damascus and the SDF trading accusations of provocations and violations.