Tens of Thousands of Civilians Flee Aleppo Amid Intensified Conflict

Fleeing from Aleppo

Civilians are loading their belongings as they escape renewed clashes between the Syrian army and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Aleppo, Syria. Reports indicate that fierce fighting between the Syrian government forces and the SDF has continued for three consecutive days in northern Aleppo, forcing tens of thousands of residents to leave their homes.

The Syrian Army Operations Command imposed a lockdown on Thursday at 1:30 PM (10:30 GMT) across the predominantly Kurdish areas of the Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Bani Zeid neighborhoods. Following this announcement, government forces launched what they called “targeted operations” against SDF positions in these areas. The conflict has generated a massive displacement of the population, with civilians evacuating through humanitarian corridors established by the Syrian army, many leaving on foot with whatever belongings they could carry, uncertain when – or even if – they would be able to return home.

Syrian civil defense workers are assisting those in distress, including an elderly woman who has been displaced from the predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. The Directorate of Social Affairs and Labor in Aleppo reported that over 138,000 individuals have been displaced from these areas due to the fighting.

Syrian residents in vehicles are attempting to flee the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods as clashes erupt. A 38-year-old man, who only identified himself as Ahmed, told AFP: “We fled because of the clashes and do not know where to go... Forty years of war, I think that’s enough.” Another displaced resident, 41-year-old Ammar Raji, stated that he and his family were “forced to leave due to the difficult conditions.” Raji added, “I have six children, including two little ones… I fear we won’t return.”

The demand has escalated, leading to the closure of schools, universities, and government offices in Aleppo, and authorities announced the suspension of flights to and from the city’s airport until Thursday evening.