Aleppos Kurdish Areas Closed by Syrian Army Amid Ongoing Clashes

Aleppo Residents Ordered to Leave as Fighting Continues Between Syrian Army and Kurdish-Led Forces

The Syrian army has declared two neighborhoods in Aleppo “closed military zones” and ordered civilians to evacuate as clashes between government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continued into a second day. The SDF has accused the Syrian army of escalating tensions, while the army claims that its actions are necessary to protect civilians.

According to officials, nine people were killed in fighting on Tuesday, marking the fiercest clashes since talks aimed at ending the standoff over the absorption of the SDF by state institutions collapsed. The Syrian army announced that two neighborhoods would become “closed military zones” from 3pm local time, with humanitarian corridors established to allow civilians to leave.

The SDF has reported a large deployment of Syrian army vehicles near its positions in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods, labeling it a “dangerous indicator” of escalation. The army has urged civilians in these areas to stay away from SDF positions.

Aid efforts are underway, with the Syrian Civil Defence Forces and Syrian Arab Red Crescent providing assistance to evacuees. According to reports, 850 civilians have been evacuated from Aleppo by midday, citing deteriorating humanitarian conditions and shelling by the SDF.

The clashes broke out after talks between government officials and the main SDF commander stalled, with “no tangible results” achieved. The incorporation of the SDF into state institutions has remained a subject of contention since President Ahmed al-Sharaa took office last year.

Meanwhile, Israel’s actions in Syria have been cited as a contributing factor to the tensions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has carried out persistent raids and bombardments in southern Syrian regions bordering Israel, averaging nearly two attacks per day over the past year.

Source: Al Jazeera