The Syrian army launched new strikes on several areas of Aleppo on Thursday after a demand for residents to evacuate, accusing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of using areas with predominantly Kurdish populations to attack; the conflict entered its third day.
The armed forces released more than seven maps marking the districts that, in their words, would come under strikes, and urged residents to evacuate immediately for their safety. The operational command announced a curfew in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh districts from 3:00 p.m. local time.
Clashes that began on Tuesday forced thousands of civilians to leave their homes; injuries and deaths were reported.
“Today, as of this moment, approximately 13,500 people have fled. Most of the reported cases were among women, children, and people with special needs, and some patients were evacuated to hospitals, while others received medical assistance in ambulances”
– Faisal Ali
Escalation of the conflict and its consequences
The Syrian Democratic Forces say their combat units are holding a firm defense against formations backed by Damascus and their allied units near areas around Aleppo, adding that they have inflicted serious losses on the enemy.
The violence and contentious claims of responsibility highlight the intensification and growing risk of escalation between Damascus and the Kurdish authorities, who refuse full integration into the central government.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani expressed deep concern over attacks on Kurdish districts in Aleppo, warning that targeted use of civilians and demographic changes in the region could be interpreted as ethnic cleansing.
Barzani urged the parties to refrain from escalation, protect civilians and engage in dialogue.
The Syrian Democratic Forces accuse formations backed by Damascus of threats of unlawful attacks on civilian areas, noting that public warnings about shelling could lead to forced displacement and war crimes under international humanitarian law.
Most residents continue to leave the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh districts through designated safe corridors.
The Syrian Democratic Forces – a US-backed alliance that controls a large part of northeastern Syria and was the main local partner of Washington in the fight against the Islamic State. The Kurdish-led authorities established a semi-autonomous administration in these areas and parts of Aleppo during 14 years of war and refuse to fully integrate into the government led by Islamists after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad at the end of 2024.
The United States has tried to mediate, holding meetings even last Sunday, but the talks did not yield concrete results.
Diplomats warn that failure to integrate the SDF into the Syrian army could threaten further violence and could draw in Turkey, which has threatened military action against Kurdish fighters whom it regards as terrorists.
On Thursday Turkey said it was ready to assist Syria upon request after the Syrian army independently launched an operation called “Counter-Terrorism” in Aleppo.