The fighters, numbered around 500, “left the two neighborhoods and headed toward northern and eastern Syria … along with their military equipment,” said Ronahi TV, an SDF-affiliated media outlet.
“Residents gathered along the route, saluting them with chants and ululations in recognition of their 12 years of resistance,” Ronahi added.
The first convoy of YPG fighters - who form the backbone of the SDF - along with the Kurdish Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), left the two neighborhoods on Friday. SDF-affiliated media reported that roughly 400 fighters were part of the initial withdrawal.
The move follows an early April agreement with Damascus, under which SDF-linked internal security forces (Asayish) will assume control of security in the two neighborhoods while military forces withdraw.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, stated that the Asayish in Aleppo would be restructured as “public security forces” operating under the Kurdish-led Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES).
Ronahi noted that the 14-point agreement’s first provisions took effect on Thursday, with a prisoner exchange of 243 detainees between the SDF and Damascus. The SDF secured the release of 146 captives, while the Syrian government received 97 of its prisoners in exchange.
The remaining forces in the neighborhoods will coordinate with Syria’s interior ministry, according to Bedran Ciya Kurd, an advisor to the DAANES.
SDF chief Mazloum Abdi signed a landmark deal on March 10 with interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to integrate into the state apparatus. The agreement recognizes Kurds as an integral part of Syria, establishes a nationwide ceasefire, and facilitates the return of displaced Syrians to their homes.
