🚨 On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh went into full lockdown. Syria's military declared these neighborhoods closed military zones and imposed a curfew from 3:00 p.m., urging everyone to stay indoors.
The army's Operations Command warned that any Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) site in the zones is now a legitimate target after what officials call a "major escalation" of attacks causing civilian casualties. To help those wanting to leave, two humanitarian corridors opened until 3:00 p.m. local time.
In recent days, drones have buzzed overhead, shelling and ground firefights have left civilians and security forces injured. State media accuses the SDF of firing on residential areas, while the SDF denies this and blames government forces for indiscriminate strikes. It's a tense chess match playing out in the streets.
Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, strategically perched between different control areas, have long been flashpoints. This recent flare-up follows stalled talks over a March 2025 deal aimed at integrating SDF-linked institutions into the Syrian state – a political freeze that seems to be fueling these clashes.
Caught in the middle are Aleppo's residents, facing a curfew within a city still recovering from past conflicts. For now, life here means finding safety indoors, following humanitarian guidance, and hoping the corridors remain open for those in need.
We'll keep you updated as the situation unfolds. 🔔
Reference(s):
Syrian army imposes curfew, seals Aleppo areas amid clashes with SDF
cgtn.com
