Syrian government forces have entered Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsoud district following days of intense clashes with Kurdish fighters. A government-announced ceasefire demanding Kurdish withdrawal expired, leading to military operations. Kurdish councils rejected the withdrawal call, labeling it a "surrender" and vowing to defend their neighborhoods, accusing government forces of shelling. Both sides have traded blame for the fighting, which has resulted in civilian casualties and displaced over 140,000 people. The clashes occurred amid stalled talks on integrating Kurdish forces into the national army.