The Syrian military has signaled its intention to conduct a limited offensive against Kurdish units of the “Syrian Democratic Forces” (SDF) within Aleppo city. The move follows reports from a Syrian government source on January 7, which stated that the operation will be conducted in accordance with international law, including the evacuation of civilians prior to hostilities and targeted strikes against armed groups.
The decision appears to be a response to appeals by local residents for an end to shelling, which has claimed more than 20 lives over the past month through drone attacks.
Syrian army command has already imposed a curfew in the Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods of Aleppo, labeling them as war zones and urging residents not to approach Kurdish military positions.
Fighting broke out between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Syrian forces on January 6 near the outskirts of Aleppo, where the Kurdish population resides. The conflict resulted in accusations from both sides of shelling residential areas, causing four civilian deaths and 26 injuries.
Although a temporary ceasefire was reached by Tuesday evening, fighting resumed on Wednesday. In response to the renewed violence, Syria’s General Directorate of Civil Aviation suspended operations at Aleppo International Airport and halted government agency activities.
