Intense fighting has erupted in northern Syria’s Aleppo, as the Syrian government forces engage in operations against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The confrontation, centred in the Sheikh Maqsoud district, has triggered a humanitarian crisis, forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes. According to emergency services chief Mohammad Al-Rajab, at least 162,000 people from Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah areas have become internally displaced over the past several days.
By Saturday, 10 January, government troops had reportedly taken control of approximately 55 per cent of Sheikh Maqsoud. The offensive commenced on Friday evening, 9 January, after the deadline for Kurdish fighters to vacate the area expired. The clashes follow the breakdown of an earlier integration agreement between the central government and the SDF, aimed at incorporating Kurdish forces into the national military command, which had stalled due to slow implementation and growing mistrust.
The Syrian Ministry of Defence had announced a temporary ceasefire on Friday, granting Kurdish fighters a six-hour ultimatum to withdraw to their north-eastern autonomous territories. The SDF council in Aleppo rejected the offer, insisting on continued resistance. In response, government forces initiated air and drone strikes in Sheikh Maqsoud.
SDF officials allege that a government strike targeted a hospital, which they described as a “war crime.” The Ministry of Defence countered that the hospital was being used as an armament depot.
Since Tuesday, 6 January, the conflict has claimed at least 22 lives and left 173 injured, marking the most severe outbreak of violence in Aleppo since the current government assumed power one year ago.
The Syrian government, led by Ahmad Al-Sharaa, has emphasised its determination to bring the Kurdish-controlled, oil-rich north-eastern regions under formal military integration, viewing this as a strategic imperative. Turkey has expressed support for Damascus, with Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Gular stating, “Syria’s security is integral to Turkey’s security.”
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced deep concern, urging both parties to return to negotiations. France and the United States have also attempted diplomatic interventions to de-escalate the situation. Despite international pressure, Syrian authorities have reiterated their commitment to eliminate “illegal armed presence” in Aleppo.
Aleppo Conflict: Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Main conflict zones | Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafiyah |
| Area under government control | ~55% of Sheikh Maqsoud |
| Internally displaced | 162,000+ |
| Fatalities | 22 |
| Injuries | 173 |
| Ceasefire proposal | 6-hour ultimatum (rejected by SDF) |
| International response | UN, France, USA call for dialogue; Turkey supports government) |
The situation in Aleppo remains tense and volatile, with humanitarian agencies warning of a worsening crisis as civilians continue to flee. The clashes underscore the fragility of agreements with Kurdish forces and the ongoing struggle over control of strategic northern territories.