09.01.2026 22:51
The Syrian army announced that a major operation would be carried out against the YPG and called for people to leave "from Sheikh Maqsoud between 16:00 and 18:00." As targets of the YPG were struck in Aleppo, loud explosion sounds were heard in many locations.
The Syrian army has escalated its operation against the terrorist organization PKK/SDF, which does not comply with the March 10 Agreement. Following the operations of the Syrian army in the city center of Aleppo, a "evacuation" process has begun for the YPG/SDF elements trapped in a neighborhood to be sent to the east of the Euphrates River.
EVACUATION CARRIED OUT IN ALEPPO BEFORE THE OPERATION
Some YPG members opened fire on evacuation buses, refusing to leave the Sheikh Maqsoud area. The Syrian news agency SANA announced that the Syrian army is preparing for a major operation against the YPG. A warning was issued for the operation stating, "You will leave Sheikh Maqsoud between 16:00-18:00."
OPERATION AGAINST YPG BY THE SYRIAN ARMY
The Syrian army has taken action. YPG targets in Aleppo have come under heavy fire. Explosions were heard in many parts of the city.
DESERTIONS FROM THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION CONTINUE
According to a report based on a security source from SANA, desertions from the YPG/SDF continue. The report stated, "The number of SDG members who escaped and were captured by Internal Security Forces in Aleppo has risen to 100."
YPG USED CIVILIANS AS HUMAN SHIELDS
Meanwhile, before the operation, the YPG used civilians as human shields. While the YPG did not allow civilians to leave the area, those moments were captured by drone cameras. The footage was released by the Syrian state media.
CURFEW ANNOUNCED
Additionally, in a statement made before the operation, it was noted that a curfew was declared in Sheikh Maqsoud as of 18:30. The neighborhood has been declared a military zone.
YPG VIOLATED THE AGREEMENT
A Syrian army official speaking to SANA stated, "Some members of the SDG refuse to leave the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood in Aleppo. They insist on continuing to fight." It was noted that the terrorists violated the agreement for evacuation by opening fire on the buses that were to transport them.
VON DER LEYEN: EUROPE WILL DO ITS BEST
As attention turned to the evacuation process, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa made an official visit to Syria's capital, Damascus. The two met with Syrian President Ahmed Shara. After the meeting, strong messages regarding Europe's approach to Syria were conveyed.
Ursula von der Leyen emphasized support for the Syrian people in a post made on the US-based X platform. In her post, von der Leyen stated:
"After decades of fear and silence, Syrians have begun a long journey towards hope and renewal. Europe will do its best for Syria's recovery and reconstruction."
WHAT HAPPENED?
Since January 6, the terrorist organization YPG has carried out attacks on many points in Aleppo from the regions it occupies. The Damascus administration had asked the YPG to comply with the March 10 Agreement and to cease attacks in Aleppo. Following the YPG's continued attacks, the Syrian army launched pinpoint operations against the positions of the terrorist organization in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods of Aleppo, which it has occupied. Since January 6, 9 Syrians have lost their lives and 55 people, mostly civilians, have been injured in the attacks carried out by the terrorist organization. The Aleppo City Center Committee announced that the number of those evacuated to safe areas in Aleppo has reached 142,000.