Violent clashes between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been escalating in Aleppo’s northern region for a third consecutive day, leading to the displacement of tens of thousands of civilians. Syrian authorities issued warnings for civilians to evacuate a contested area in Aleppo, initiating “targeted operations” against the SDF in Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Bani Zaid neighborhoods. The conflict, which began on Tuesday, resulted in multiple casualties and numerous injuries.
Both factions have accused each other of intentionally attacking civilian areas and infrastructure, posing a significant challenge for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who aims to unify the nation following 14 years of war. Save the Children estimates that over 16,000 civilians, including many children, have fled Aleppo in the past 24 hours, with numerous families facing shortages of essential supplies and harsh weather conditions.
Aleppo’s social affairs and labor directorate estimates that approximately 140,000 individuals have been internally displaced within the province, with a significant portion facing medical issues and vulnerable conditions. The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of at least seven civilians and one soldier in government-controlled areas, while the SDF reported eight civilian casualties in Kurdish-majority neighborhoods.
The United Nations has expressed concern over the situation and called for de-escalation. UNICEF is providing urgent assistance to displaced families by distributing hygiene kits in shelters across the province and scaling up its response as the humanitarian needs increase.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-backed alliance controlling northeastern Syria, have resisted full integration into the Syrian government led by Islamist authorities since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. The U.S. State Department is closely monitoring the situation and advocating for restraint from all parties involved.
The recent clashes in Aleppo are a result of stalled political negotiations between the Syrian central government and the SDF. Despite a previous agreement for full integration by the end of 2025, progress has been limited, leading to disputes and continued violence. The situation has drawn international attention, with the U.S. urging peaceful resolutions and dialogue between the conflicting parties.
Turkey views the SDF as a terrorist organization due to its ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and has warned of potential military intervention if the situation escalates further. The Turkish Ministry of National Defence stated that the ongoing operation is being conducted by the Syrian army, with Turkey closely monitoring the developments and ready to provide support upon Syria’s request.