Syria urges civilians to evacuate Aleppo neighborhoods as clashes with Kurds continue
ALEPPO, Syria — Syrian officials have issued a warning for civilians to evacuate a contested area in the northern city of Aleppo as clashes continue between government and Kurdish forces. A corridor has been opened for residents to leave the area for a second day.
The Aleppo province government has set a deadline for residents to evacuate, with the military planning “targeted operations” against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in specific neighborhoods. As of Wednesday, over 46,000 people have been displaced in the province.
Reports indicate civilian casualties on both sides, with accusations of deliberate targeting of civilian areas and infrastructure. The clashes come amidst stalled political negotiations between the central state and the SDF.
The leadership in Damascus signed a deal in March for the SDF to merge with the Syrian army by 2025, but disagreements on the process persist. Recent talks between government officials and the SDF have not yielded tangible progress.
The situation is complicated by the involvement of factions previously backed by Turkey, which have clashed with Kurdish forces. The U.S., a long-time supporter of the SDF, has also developed ties with al-Sharaa’s government and is urging the Kurds to implement the merger deal.
The United Nations has expressed concern over the violence, calling for de-escalation, restraint, and a return to negotiations to implement the agreement reached in March.
