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Violence erupts in Aleppo as Syrian forces clash with Kurdish fighters
At least 12 people have died in two days of fierce fighting between Syrian government troops and Kurdish forces in Aleppo, prompting tens of thousands of residents to flee besieged neighborhoods.
Government declares military zones amid shelling
Syrian authorities designated the Kurdish-majority districts of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh as "closed military areas" before launching artillery strikes on Wednesday afternoon. The military stated the operation aimed to "preserve security" following attacks by armed groups in the region.
Civilians describe chaos and displacement
Residents reported harrowing conditions as shelling intensified. One Aleppo local told the BBC the situation was "terrible and awful," with friends already fleeing to safer towns. Samer Issa, a displaced father from Ashrafieh, described taking shelter in a mosque with his children before escaping.
"The shelling intensified. We left because our children could no longer endure the hits and the shelling."
Samer Issa, displaced resident
Issa called the crisis "heartbreaking" as families abandoned their homes.
SDF denies presence, accuses government of forced displacement
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) condemned the offensive as a "criminal attempt" to displace civilians, insisting it maintains no military presence in Aleppo. The SDF controls much of northeastern Syria and commands tens of thousands of fighters.
Broken agreements and regional tensions
The violence highlights persistent divisions in Syria, one year after President Ahmad al-Sharaa overthrew Bashar al-Assad. While the SDF signed a March 2025 deal to integrate into Syrian state institutions, implementation has stalled amid mutual accusations of sabotage.
The SDF remains reluctant to relinquish autonomy gained during Syria's 13-year civil war, during which it partnered with U.S.-led forces to defeat ISIS. The Aleppo standoff also risks escalating tensions with Turkey, which supports the Syrian government but designates the SDF's dominant Kurdish militia as a terrorist organization.
What's next
Observers warn the clashes could derail fragile reconciliation efforts and draw in regional actors. No immediate de-escalation appears likely as both sides dig in.
