08.01.2026 07:00
The SDG, a terrorist organization that refuses to integrate into the Syrian army in accordance with the March 10 agreement, attacked civilians in Aleppo. While the Syrian army launched operations against the terrorist organization, the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh in Aleppo were besieged. It was reported that there were many dead and wounded in the clashes with the terrorist organization, while the Syrian state called for relinquishing control before engaging in conflict.
According to the March 10 agreement, the terrorist organization SDG, which is supposed to integrate into the Syrian army by the end of the year, not only failed to take the expected step but also began to carry out attacks that would escalate tensions in the region.
2 NEIGHBORHOODS DECLARED LEGITIMATE TARGETS
The Syrian army announced that all positions in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods of Aleppo, belonging to the terrorist organization PKK/YPG, which uses the name SDG in the country, have been declared legitimate targets. According to a report by the Syrian official news agency SANA, based on sources from the Army Operations Command, it was stated that these positions were included in the legitimate target scope due to the numerous massacres carried out by the PKK/YPG against various neighborhoods and civilians in Aleppo.
CROWDED GROUPS HAVE LEFT THE REGION
After the Syrian army issued a warning for the evacuation of civilians living in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods, Syrians began to leave the area. Footage from Aleppo showed traffic on main roads due to civilians trying to move away from the region. The statement also reported that two safe humanitarian passage corridors have been opened in the area to prevent harm to civilians. Accordingly, it was noted that the "Avarid and Zuhur Street Passage" would remain open until 3:00 PM. The news agency SANA stated that "SDG/YPG targeted the residents of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods who wanted to reach the humanitarian aid corridor."
SYRIAN ARMY LAUNCHED OPERATION IN ALEPPO
An AFP reporter reported that the Syrian army has begun a comprehensive military and security operation in Aleppo. In a statement made by the Syrian army, it was noted that operations would continue to be expanded to make Aleppo completely secure.
A Syrian military source, in an assessment of the ongoing operations, stated that priority is given to the protection of civilians. The military source said in a statement regarding the matter, "Our military operations in Aleppo will be conducted in accordance with international law. While targeting armed groups, we are also focusing on the evacuation of civilians from the region."
STATEMENT FROM ALEPPO GOVERNORATE ON THE OPERATION
The Aleppo Governorate made a statement regarding the Syrian army's operation against the terrorist organization SDG. The statement indicated that the Syrian army has besieged the YPG in Aleppo. The statement from the governorate included the following expressions: "The Syrian army has besieged the YPG in Aleppo. The Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods of Aleppo have been besieged by the Syrian army. The Syrian state aims to eliminate the militia threat that threatens Aleppo. The SDG must create space to secure the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods. The Syrian army is currently applying the principle of responding only to sources that have opened fire."
SDG TARGETED CIVILIANS
The Syrian Army Operations Command stated in a statement to the Syrian official news agency SANA that elements of the terrorist organization PKK/YPG, which uses the name SDG, directly targeted civilians who wanted to leave the neighborhoods to prevent their exit. The Operations Command noted that appropriate methods would be used to establish security and stability in the Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods to protect civilians from the pressures of PKK/YPG. The statement indicated that the Syrian Army has not yet launched any offensive operation against areas controlled by PKK/YPG, but continues to ensure the safe exit of civilians from the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods.
THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES PLACED IN SHELTER CENTERS
After the intense clashes between the Syrian army and PKK/YPG in Aleppo, thousands of families leaving the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods were placed in mosques and temporary shelter centers established throughout the city. Numerous centers were prepared in a short time for families affected by the clashes, mostly consisting of women and children. Maryam al-Basha, who had to leave the region with her family from the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood, stated that they left their homes due to heavy bombardment. Al-Basha, noting that shells fell on their house, said, "I have three children, they are all very scared. Shells were constantly falling, we were not allowed to go out at night. This morning it was said that there was a safe exit, and we came here."
"FOOD, GAS, AND FUEL BECAME UNOBTAINABLE"
Expressing that the conditions in the shelter center are good, Basha said, "They provided breakfast in the morning, and they provided beds and blankets. Thank God we have no deficiencies. There are no injuries, but of course, our home is more comfortable. Hopefully, we will return to our homes as soon as possible." Huda Marashni, who came from the Ashrafiyeh neighborhood, expressed that life has become completely difficult due to bombardments and attacks. Marashni stated, "Food, gas, and fuel have become unobtainable. The weather is very cold, we have small children. The bombardment has been ongoing since yesterday, no one could sleep. This is the third time we have had to leave our home."
Marashni, who said they are currently staying in a university campus, noted that the conditions are good compared to the current situation and thanked those who are helping.
UN CALLS FOR NEGOTIATIONS
UN Secretary-General Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric spoke at the daily press conference.
In Aleppo, regarding the clashes that erupted with the Syrian army due to the attacks of the terrorist organization PKK/YPG, which uses the name SDG, Dujarric stated, "I can inform you that the Secretary-General is concerned about reports of civilian deaths and injuries following the clashes in Aleppo. We continue to urge all parties to demonstrate flexibility and goodwill in both military and political arenas and to immediately resume negotiations to fully implement the March 10 agreement." Reminding that all parties have an obligation to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure under international humanitarian law, Dujarric called on all actors to immediately reduce tensions and exercise maximum restraint.
SYRIAN GOVERNMENT: SENSITIVITY IS SHOWN FOR THE PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS
The Syrian official news agency SANA published a written statement from the Syrian Government regarding the developments in Aleppo. It was noted that there are serious inaccuracies and erroneous descriptions in the statement of the terrorist organization PKK/YPG regarding the situation in Aleppo, which do not reflect the realities on the ground, and it was recorded that these statements are contrary to the agreement dated April 1, 2025. The statement emphasized that the responsibility for ensuring security and protecting the people belongs solely to the state and its legitimate institutions within the framework of the constitution and applicable laws. It was pointed out that the protection of all Syrians, including Kurdish citizens, cannot be a subject of negotiation, as it is an unchangeable national and legal responsibility, and claims that security measures target any ethnic group were categorically denied. It was stated that full sensitivity is shown regarding the protection of civilians in Aleppo, ensuring their safety, and preventing damage to their property. The statement conveyed that all those who left the tension areas consist of civilians, and Kurdish citizens concerned about the conflicts have sought refuge in areas under the control of the state and official institutions.
It was emphasized that this is a clear indication of the citizens' trust in the state and its capacity to provide security, and it was noted that "the measures taken around the Sheikh Maqsud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods aim solely to ensure security, prevent armed activities in residential areas, and prevent these areas from being used as a pressure tool against the city of Aleppo." In the statement, the Syrian government reiterated its demand for armed groups in these neighborhoods to leave the region and called for civilians to be completely kept away from political and media-related disputes.
SYRIAN ARMY SURROUNDED ALEPPO
The Syrian army has surrounded the YPG in Aleppo. The Syrian Ministry of Information announced that the army would launch a limited operation against the attacks of the terrorist organization PKK/YPG in Aleppo. The Sheikh Maqsud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods of Aleppo have been surrounded by the Syrian army. The Aleppo Governorate stated in a statement, "The Syrian State wants to eliminate the militia threat that threatens Aleppo." The Syrian state called for relinquishing control without resorting to conflict. It was recorded that there were dead and injured in the clashes. It was noted that the injured were registered in the hospital.