Syrian Army Orders Civilians to Evacuate New Front East of Aleppo

Syrian Army Declares Humanitarian Zone Open as Fighting Continues

A humanitarian zone is expected to remain open on Thursday, allowing residents to evacuate parts of the rural Aleppo governorate. The Syrian army has declared the areas closed military zones and sent in reinforcements following days of deadly fighting inside Aleppo city.

The army accused the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of building up troops in the area, leading to concerns over a new front in the battle. A ceasefire announced on January 9 allowed SDF fighters to leave certain neighborhoods in Aleppo, but talks over incorporation into the Syrian state institutions have stalled.

The government has called on the SDF to withdraw from Deir Hafer and Maskana, located east of the contested zone. The two sides have exchanged limited fire. The SDF has accused the army of escalating attacks on infrastructure and facilities in Deir Hafer.

At least 23 people have been killed in clashes between the US-backed SDF and the Syrian army. The conflict has gripped Aleppo for over a week, with concerns rising over a new front.

The Syrian government has also accused the SDF of carrying out drone strikes in Aleppo city, including one that hit the Aleppo governorate building on Saturday. The SDF has denied these allegations.

Turkish officials are closely watching Syria’s latest round of fighting, with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) involved in the conflict. A group of SDF fighters was released by the Syrian Interior Ministry after being detained, with the ministry stating that those released were “found not to be involved in criminal acts or to have blood on their hands”.

The humanitarian zone is expected to remain open from 9am local time to 5pm, allowing residents to leave Deir Hafer and Maskana.

Source: Al Jazeera