Syrian Transitional Government forces have closed the two roads leading to the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods of Aleppo province.

Seven main roads (Leyramûn Junction, Cendul Junction, Park Road, Şîhan Junction, Telet Eşrefiyê, Ewarid, Cizîre) connect the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah with other neighborhoods in Aleppo.

On April 1 this year, an agreement concerning both neighborhoods was signed between the General Council of the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods and representatives of the Transitional Government. Under the agreement, it was decided to establish joint checkpoints between the Transitional Government Forces and Internal Security Forces in both neighborhoods, and these checkpoints were set up on the main roads.

However, the Transitional Government forces, who violated the agreement 77 times, conducted drone reconnaissance over both neighborhoods, abducted people, and converted public areas such as the Asturian Hospital into military posts.

Two days ago, Transitional Government forces erected earthen barricades. On September 30, the Leyramûn Junction road west of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah was closed. Yesterday, the Cendûn Junction road northeast of both neighborhoods was closed, and activities at the joint checkpoint on these two roads ceased.

Due to the closure of both roads, workers' vehicles in particular were forced to use alternative routes. This is because both roads connect the Workers' District around Ashrafiyah Neighborhood and the Şiqêf Industrial Zone to Sheikh Maqsoud and other areas.

While five main roads remain active, the joint checkpoints on both roads continue to operate. However, the recent actions of the Transitional Government forces raise the question, “How long will these roads remain closed?”

The General Council of the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods stated in a statement yesterday that fuel was not being allowed to pass through either neighborhood.