09.01.2026 18:20
After the Syrian army announced that a major operation would be carried out against the YPG and called for civilians to leave Sheikh Maqsoud between 16:00 and 18:00, the terrorist organization began blocking roads in the area to prevent civilians from exiting. While the YPG used civilians as human shields, drone footage from those moments was broadcast by Syrian state media.
In Syria, the terrorist organization YPG used civilians as human shields in Sheikh Maqsoud following a major operation warning from the army, and did not allow them to leave the area. The footage was recorded by a drone camera and was released by the Syrian state media.
SYRIAN ARMY PREPARING FOR OPERATION AGAINST YPG
The operation launched by the Syrian Army against the terrorist organization PKK-SDG is ongoing. While SDG-PKK targets are being hit, a "evacuation" process has begun to send YPG/SDG elements, which are trapped in a neighborhood after the Syrian army's operations in the center of Aleppo, to the east of the Euphrates River. 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 YPG.
YPG USED CIVILIANS AS HUMAN SHIELDS
With a short time left before the major operation, the terrorist organization YPG used civilians as human shields. While YPG did not allow civilians to leave the area, those moments were captured by a drone camera. The footage was released by the Syrian state media.
INTENSE BOMBARDMENT WILL BEGIN AFTER 18:00
The Syrian news agency SANA announced that the Syrian army is preparing for a major operation against YPG. A warning was issued for the operation starting at 16:00, stating "You have until 18:00 to leave Sheikh Maqsoud." It is reported that a very intense bombardment will begin in the region at 18:00.
CURFEW HAS BEEN DECLARED
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 SDG refuse to leave the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood in Aleppo. They insist on continuing to fight." It was recorded that the terrorists violated the agreement made for evacuation by opening fire on the buses that were to transport them.
VON DER LEYEN: EUROPE WILL DO ITS BEST
As attention turns to the evacuation process, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Antonio Costa made an official visit to the Syrian 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 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?
In Syria, the terrorist organization YPG had been carrying out attacks on many points in Aleppo from the regions it occupied since January 6. The Damascus administration had requested YPG to comply with the March 10 Agreement and to end the attacks in Aleppo. Following YPG's continuation of its 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 is 142,000.