At least 12 people have reportedly been killed during two days of intense clashes between Syrian government and Kurdish fighters in the northern city of Aleppo.
Tens of thousands of civilians have also fled the Kurdish majority neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, which the Syrian army shelled on Wednesday afternoon after designating them as closed military areas.
The government stated that the operation was a reaction to attacks by armed groups in the areas, aimed at preserving security. In contrast, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) described the actions as a criminal attempt to forcibly displace residents.
One Aleppo resident remarked on the dire situation, stating, All my friends have left for other towns. Sometimes it is calm and suddenly war starts again. Another displaced man mentioned he was now sheltering in a mosque with his young children due to the increased shelling and the unbearable environment for his family.
The ongoing violence reflects the challenges facing the government of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, as tensions escalate nearly a year after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Despite a recent agreement for integration of military forces, disputes continue, complicating efforts towards peace. Experts warn that the situation may further agitate regional tensions, particularly with Turkey, which views Kurdish militias as a threat.
