LIVE: Aleppo Clashes Updates
Photo Credit: Abbas Abbas
The ongoing conflict is between the Syrian Transitional Government’s forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). While a deal was reached last year to integrate the SDF into a unified national army, negotiations have stalled over the Kurds’ demands for regional autonomy. This political deadlock turned into active combat this week, with government forces shelling the Kurdish-majority neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh to force a withdrawal. The escalation has paralyzed the city, displacing over 46,000 residents, closing the international airport, and raising fears of a broader civil conflict during Syria’s fragile transition.
In the attacks carried out by transitional government forces over the past three days, 10 civilians, including 2 children, and 1 member of Internal Security Forces (Asayish) were killed in the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh, and 63 people were injured. In the Midan neighborhood, 3 civilians and 5 militants from groups affiliated with the Ministry of Defense were killed.
Live Updates
09.01.26 | 16:17
Aleppo: Death Toll and Displacement Rise as Fighting Intensifies in Kurdish Neighborhoods [Updated]
The Kurdish Red Crescent reports that clashes in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods have resulted in 21 civilians killed — including 5 women and 4 children — and 99 injured. Sources say five Syrian transitional government (STG) forces were also killed. The clashes intensified after 1:30 p.m.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights states the civilian death toll in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh has risen to at least 23.
The United Nations reports that renewed fighting in Aleppo has displaced approximately 150,000 people, with at least nine killed and 55 injured. The STG estimates that over 100,000 have been displaced. Heavy shelling is damaging homes and critical infrastructure, prompting a UN humanitarian mobilization.
09.01.26 | 13:45
Masoud Barzani speaks to Ahmed al-Sharaa
The President of the Transitional Phase in Syria, Mr. Ahmed al-Sharaa, conducted a phone call on Friday, January 9, 2026, with President Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party.
During the call, the latest political developments in Syria, as well as the changes taking place in the region, were discussed. Both sides emphasized the importance of stability and strengthening joint coordination in a manner that serves the security and peace of the region.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa affirmed that the Kurds constitute an authentic and fundamental component of the Syrian people, stressing the Syrian state’s full commitment during the transitional phase to guaranteeing all national, political, and civil rights of the Kurds, alongside all other Syrian components, on the basis of equality and without any discrimination.
For his part, President Masoud Barzani expressed his appreciation for the vision of the President of the Transitional Phase in Syria, reaffirming his support for the will and aspirations of the Syrian people to build an inclusive state that embraces all components, in which everyone is a genuine partner in the country’s future. He also stressed the importance of continuing consultation and coordination in a way that takes into account the interests of all parties and contributes to protecting civil peace and enhancing stability.
09.01.26 | 13:40
SDF Backs Local Council’s Decision to Maintain Security Amid Damascus Pressure
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have expressed their support for the Sheikh Maqsoud People’s Council and Internal Security’s decision to remain in the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh, assuming security responsibilities. Sipan Hemo, a member of the SDF’s General Command, emphasized that the decision reflects the will of the local civilian leadership. This comes amid growing tensions and military pressure from Damascus, with Hemo noting that recent assaults have violated the April 1 Agreement that transferred security oversight to Internal Security Forces. He called for solidarity with the residents as they resist ongoing attacks.
09.01.26 | 13:18
UK calls for dialogue
“I welcome the temporary ceasefire in Aleppo and encourage its extension to alleviate the suffering of civilians who are victims of the violence,” Ann Snow, Britain’s Special Envoy to Syria, said in a statement on her X account.
“The UK continues to emphasize the protection of civilians and the importance of dialogue to implement the March 10 agreement,” Snow said.
09.01.26 | 12:35
Empty Buses Leave Aleppo’s Kurdish Neighborhoods as Residents Reject Evacuation
Following the transitional government’s ceasefire announcement calling on Kurdish Internal Security Forces (Asayish) to withdraw from Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiye toward the territory of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, Damascus-affiliated media circulated reports claiming dozens of buses had entered the Kurdish neighborhoods to evacuate Asayish fighters and their families carrying only “light weapons.” However, contradicting reports from on the ground indicate the buses departed empty, as the People’s Council of the neighborhoods insisted on remaining to protect their communities, refusing to evacuate despite the transitional government’s demands.
09.01.26 | 12:21
Civilian Convoys Mobilize in Support of Aleppo’s Kurdish Neighborhoods, Echoing Past Resistance Tactics
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), residents of Raqqa and Kobane, in the territories of DAANES, are preparing convoys to head toward Aleppo in support of the people of the Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods. This mirrors a similar civilian protest strategy that was previously employed to defend the Tishreen Dam last winter.
This approach demonstrates a pattern of civilian mobilization being used as a defensive tactic in the region, with communities organizing convoys to show solidarity and potentially deter military action through their presence.
09.01.26 | 12:10
Co-leader of DEM Party, Tuncer Bakırhan, calls on Turkish Government
“We warn Turkey: follow a policy that strengthens dialogue, not escalates tensions.”
“The Kurds do not kneel down. Just as they resisted in Kobani, they will also resist in Aleppo.”
09.01.26 | 10:55
“We have decided to stay in our neighborhoods and protect them.”
The People’s Council of Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiya Neighborhoods has made a public statement to the people of Aleppo, wherein it says the two neighborhoods have faced sustained artillery bombardment since January 6, targeting civilian infrastructure, causing civilian casualties, and triggering a severe humanitarian crisis, in what it describes as an attempt to force displacement and alter the city’s demography in violation of existing agreements.
The council rejects calls for surrender, accuses the Damascus interim government and Turkey-backed forces of committing war crimes, and says residents are determined to remain and defend their neighborhoods despite siege conditions and the collapse of local medical services. The entire statement can be read below:
For the general public;
Since January 6, our neighborhoods have been under heavy artillery and heavy bombardment.
Mosques, schools, mosques, civilian homes and service institutions have been completely targeted in these attacks.
Our people and our security forces are showing great resistance to these attacks.
These attacks are aimed at starting a massacre and a new wave of migration against our people in these neighborhoods, who have lived and are residents of these neighborhoods for hundreds of years. In other words, the demography of our city and neighborhoods is intended to be changed. Also, these attacks in every way mean the invalidation of the April 1 agreement and a violation of the agreement.
The interim government in Damascus is carrying out these attacks under the name of the new Syrian Army and with the support of the Turkish state and its affiliated gangs, and is emboldened by this. We also strongly condemn the silence of the international powers that were present as guarantors and observers for the March 10 and April 1 agreement.
The attacks and the threat of massacre against our people in Sheikh Maqsud and Ashrafiya continue to this day.
The call that the forces of the interim government in Damascus are making to the people and our security forces is an imposition of surrender, but our people in these neighborhoods are determined to stay in their neighborhoods and defend their neighborhoods.
In the current situation, massacres are being committed against civilians where the gangs have advanced. In other words, the same acts and massacres that were committed against the Alawites and Druze are also being carried out in our neighborhoods.
Everyone knows that there are hundreds of thousands of civilians in these neighborhoods and that dozens of our people have been injured as a result of the heavy shelling against civilians. Many of these injured are women and children. Our neighborhood police officer named Khalid Fejir, who already had very limited resources, was attacked and severely bombed. This constitutes a war crime. In the current situation, the police officer is completely out of service. There are no longer any opportunities for the wounded to be treated in our neighborhoods. There is a serious humanitarian crisis. As the public knows, our neighborhoods have been under siege for a long time and humanitarian supplies have been prevented from entering the neighborhood. In addition, the winter situation makes the current situation even more difficult.
As a result, the forces of the interim government and their gangs are calling for surrender in our neighborhoods and want the people to leave these neighborhoods. The surrender of our security forces is also demanded.
As the leadership of the Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiya councils, we do not accept pressure on our people and our neighborhoods. Due to the actions of the Damascus government against the various components and diversity of Syria since it came to power, and especially the indiscriminate bombings and massacres against our people in the past few days, we do not believe that we can hand over our security and our neighborhoods to them. For this reason, it is impossible for us to take a step back in securing the security of our neighborhoods. We have decided to stay in our neighborhoods and protect our neighborhoods.
Finally, we call on our people of Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiya to turn to Mustafa Khalid Fajir to take care of their wounded and mobilize to protect their neighborhoods.
Greetings and Respect
People’s Council of Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiya Neighborhoods
09.01.2026
09.01.26 | 10:15
What happened last night?
We are beginning our live coverage today with a recap of developments overnight in Aleppo, where intense fighting, diplomatic pressure, and fragile ceasefire efforts unfolded across Kurdish-majority neighborhoods.
Escalation overnight: Syrian Transitional Government (STG) forces launched a major armored and artillery assault on the Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh, deploying tanks and Turkish-donated AFSAT 6×6 vehicles. Multiple strikes reportedly hit Khalid Hospital, compounding civilian casualties and disrupting medical care.
Civilian toll rising: Local human rights sources report at least eight civilians killed and more than 60 wounded, including women, children, and elderly residents. Hospitals faced electricity outages following shelling, while families sought shelter amid what residents described as a three-day offensive with no clear end.
Kurdish leadership response: Mazlum Abdi Kobani, General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF, condemned the use of “the language of war” to impose one-sided solutions, warning that tank deployments, shelling of civilians, and attempts to storm Kurdish neighborhoods during negotiations risk “massacres” and “dangerous demographic changes.” He said efforts were ongoing “with all parties to stop these attacks,” while expressing condolences to families of those killed.
Conflicting claims on the ground: STG-linked media claimed their forces entered Ashrafiyeh, but local Kurdish sources rejected this, accusing STG outlets of disinformation and circulating unverifiable or misleading footage. Fighting reportedly continued intermittently overnight.
U.S. intervention and fragile ceasefire: U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack intervened diplomatically on Thursday, urging an immediate halt to hostilities and warning that continued fighting in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh could derail months of political progress. Early Friday morning, Barrack announced that a temporary ceasefire had been reached overnight, thanking the Syrian transitional government, the Syrian Democratic Forces, local authorities, and community leaders for their restraint. He described the truce as a critical opening for dialogue, stressing that “cooperation over confrontation” was essential to preserving the nearly completed March 2025 SDF-government integration agreement. However, the ceasefire was explicitly time-limited, with intensive negotiations underway to extend it beyond the initial morning deadline, underscoring its precarious and reversible nature.
Ceasefire uncertainty: A withdrawal deadline for Kurdish Internal Security Forces (Asayish) passed Friday morning without confirmation from the Syrian Democratic Forces or Asayish. As of mid-morning, the situation on the ground remains unclear. Residents have expressed fears of potential violence, drawing comparisons to recent events in coastal regions and Suwayda. The public awaits an official statement from the SDF or Asayish to clarify the situation on the ground.
Human rights reports from Afrin: The Afrin Human Rights Organization, through its director Ibrahim Sheikho, documented what it described as a brutal, sustained assault involving heavy shelling and rocket fire by Turkey-affiliated factions backing the transitional government. The organization confirmed the killing of an entire Kurdish family of six, including three children, originally displaced from Afrin during the 2018 Turkish-led invasion. It also warned that hospitals, including Khalid Hospital, were struggling to treat wounded civilians due to power cuts caused by shelling, while fear and displacement were spreading rapidly among residents.
Solidarity protests: In Suwayda, demonstrators rallied in support of Aleppo’s Kurdish civilians, chanting to the Kurdish national anthem and carrying banners reading “Shared destiny” and “Shared dignity,” echoing earlier protests condemning the siege and attacks.
European diplomatic move: Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa are traveling to Syria today for talks with President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, with the EU citing discussions on political and economic engagement.
08.01.26 | 18:25
Aleppo: Death Toll from Bombardment on Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud Rises to 12 Dead and 64 Wounded
The Media Center of the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) in Aleppo reported that the number of casualties from the shelling targeting the Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods has risen to 12 martyrs and 64 wounded civilians, according to the toll documented so far.
The statement clarified that the intense and indiscriminate bombardment was carried out using tanks, artillery, and drones, targeting populated residential areas and causing widespread destruction to buildings.
The center noted that rescue teams are still conducting search operations under the rubble of destroyed buildings, amid fears that the death toll may rise as more civilians remain trapped beneath the debris.
08.01.26 | 18:20
Testimony from Sheikh Maqsoud
Journalist Sozdar Rizgar, reporting from Sheikh Maqsoud, told The Amargi that renewed drone and aerial bombardments have struck the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafiyeh, and Bani Zaid, resulting in at least 63 injuries and 10 civilian deaths, including women, children, and the elderly. Over 300 homes and key institutions have been destroyed, and a hospital in Ashrafiyeh has been forced to cease operations.
Rizgar attributed the attacks to factions recently reflagged as the 62nd, 72nd, and 80th divisions of the Syrian transitional government, including the Turkish-backed and sanctioned Suleiman Shah (al-Amshat), Sultan Murad and al-Hamzat, as well as HTS-affiliated Nour al-Din al-Zenki brigades.
Rizgar noted that the population, despite ongoing violence and casualties, continues to resist. Neighborhood council co-chairs have issued statements reaffirming their determination not to surrender and holding the transitional government responsible for the attacks.
08.01.26 | 16:16
Internal Security Forces Deny Reports of “Safe Passage”
The Aleppo Internal Security Forces(Asayish) issued a statement regarding claims made by some media outlets that a request for safe passage from neighborhoods in Aleppo had been made. The Internal Security Forces stated that the reports were “deliberate disinformation” and emphasized that the claims were baseless. They announced that “no request for safe passage had been made” to forces affiliated with the transitional government’s army.
The statement included the following remarks:
“Our forces have not requested, nor will they request, safe passage because we are not the aggressors. It is the Damascus government that should withdraw its tanks, artillery units, and fighters from residential areas. They are carrying out an open attack against areas where civilians live. Our forces are standing firm in their positions, heroically protecting their people and neighborhoods, and resisting tank and artillery fire with unwavering determination.”
08.01.26 | 16:14
Critical Situation in Hospitals
Dr. Osman Sheikh Isa, co-chair of the health council in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods, made an urgent appeal. He stated that the number of wounded has increased and that medical supplies have run out due to three days of attacks by groups affiliated with the transitional government.
Isa said the blockade is preventing doctors from reaching the area. He added that the lack of doctors and medicine is causing problems at the Martyr Xalid Fecir Hospital in Sheikh Maqsoud. The hospital may be out of service soon because it lacks fuel for its generators.
Isa made the following appeal:
“This is an urgent call for intervention. Humanitarian and moral responsibility is required. As a doctor, being unable to help the wounded is difficult, both morally and ethically. We call for this problem to be resolved as soon as possible.”
08.01.26 | 16:00
Support for Aleppo in Northeastern Syrian Cities
Today, mass demonstrations and protests were staged in various areas of northern and eastern Syria. The demonstrations condemned the ongoing military escalation by factions affiliated with the Syrian transitional government against the Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafiyeh, and Bani Zaid neighborhoods in Aleppo.
Protests were held in Tel Temir, Hasakah, Dirbesiye, Hol, Shadadi, Tel Birak, Tel Hemis, Raqqa, Kobani, and Qamishlo. Protesters held up signs with slogans calling for an immediate end to aerial and ground strikes and condemning the “policy of collective punishment” and the strict siege imposed on civilians in those neighborhoods. They also condemned the international community’s inaction regarding the ongoing violations for the third consecutive day.
08.01.26 | 15:27
Damascus-affiliated and Kurdish Forces Clash in Aleppo Amid Rising Civilian Casualties
According to a military source, Syrian Transitional Government forces repelled an attempted advance by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) toward the al-Jalaa neighborhood in Aleppo, inflicting casualties on SDF fighters. Meanwhile, the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) in Aleppo’s Kurdish neighborhoods said they fended off a large-scale offensive by Damascus-allied groups that deployed over 60 tanks, armored vehicles, and thousands of troops. The attackers met strong resistance, resulting in the destruction of one tank and five military vehicles and the downing of seven suicide drones. This forced them to retreat and abandon their positions in Ashrafieh, Castello, and Jabanat. Fighting has intensified across residential areas, and both sides blame the other for the escalating violence.
08.01.26 | 14:52
Another Civilian Killed in Bombing
Another civilian lost their life in attacks carried out by Syrian transitional government forces on the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh. Hikmat Tusho, 27, was killed in the bombing.
Thus far, 10 civilians, including two children, and one security officer have lost their lives in the ongoing three-day attacks, and 63 people have been injured.
08.01.26 | 14:40
EU spokesperson urges ‘restraint’
On Thursday, the European Union voiced “great concern” over the deadly violence in Aleppo, Syria, where government forces were preparing to launch new attacks on Kurdish positions.
“We call on all sides to exercise restraint, protect civilians, and seek a peaceful, diplomatic solution,” said EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni.
EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa are scheduled to visit Damascus to meet with the country’s transitional leaders.
08.01.26 | 14:37
DEM Party: Turkey and All Countries Must Take Responsibility
The DEM Party Parliamentary Group held a press conference in Parliament regarding the attacks in Aleppo. “These attacks are crimes against humanity and are leading to genocide,” said Deputy Group Chair Sezai Temelli. He called on Turkey and the international guarantor powers to take responsibility for stopping the attacks immediately.
Deputy Group Chair Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit said, “Every bullet fired in Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud is fired at us. If Turkey truly wants to do something right, something good, something constructive in Syria today, it must first prevent this conflict.”
08.01.26 | 14:35
DAANES Seeks International Mediation to Halt Aleppo Escalation
Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria’s (DAANES) External Relations, said DAANES is in active communication with the U.S., France, and Turkey to prevent further escalation in Aleppo. She stated that the international community is being urged to mediate between DAANES and Damascus, emphasizing the need for dialogue, de-escalation, and respect for civilian protection. Ahmed noted that attacks on Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh are not new, recalling past sieges under the former regime, and stressed that the solution must remain “Syrian-Syrian.” While welcoming potential support from Turkey, she warned that regional interventions complicate peace efforts. DAANES continues to engage Damascus to achieve calm and avoid further violence.
08.01.26 | 14:33
Internal Security Forces Shot Down Bomb-Laden Drone Belonging to Damascus
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) announced that the Internal Security Forces shot down a bomb-laden drone belonging to groups affiliated with the Damascus government. The drone was used to attack the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafieh. The SOHR also shared footage of the downed drone.
08.01.26 | 14:28
Fidan blames the SDF for Aleppo conflict
At a joint press conference held in Ankara with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke about the attacks by the Syrian Transitional Government’s forces.
“The attacks carried out against civilians in Aleppo have unfortunately fueled concerns about the SDF’s intentions and cast doubt on peace efforts. The SDF is trying to buy time. If the integration process had begun, we would not be seeing what is happening in Syria today,” said Fidan. For the April 1 Agreement to be implemented, he added, the SDF must “withdraw” from two neighborhoods in Aleppo.
Editor’s note: The SDF, YPG, and YPJ withdrew from the neighborhoods last year, as required by the April 1 Agreement, and handed over security to the neighborhood’s Asayish forces.
08.01.26 | 14:13
Violence against protesters in Cizre
In the Cizre district of Şirnak, Turkey, police attacked a march protesting the attacks on the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh
neighborhoods, beating and detaining at least 3 people, and also threatening journalists with death.
08.01.26 | 14:03
KCK Warns of Civil War Risk, Demands Ceasefire and Return to Negotiations in Aleppo
The Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) has condemned the ongoing attacks on Aleppo’s Kurdish neighborhoods, calling them part of a dangerous plan to draw Syria back into a civil war. In a statement, the KCK urged the transitional government in Damascus to immediately cease hostilities, return to the negotiating table, and implement the March 10 agreement. The attacks, which occurred amid ongoing negotiations between Damascus and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, are considered a strategic attempt to undermine peace efforts and destabilize the region. The KCK warned that the violence threatens not only Kurds, but also Arab communities in Aleppo. The KCK called on all political forces to support dialogue and de-escalation. The KCK also urged Turkey to leverage its influence for peace and called on the international community to swiftly prevent further bloodshed
08.01.26 | 13:52
Sheikh Xeznewi: “We Are All Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh”
Kurdish scholar Dr. Sheikh Murshid Xeznewi addressed the people of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in a powerful message, calling them the “fortress of resistance” and drawing a parallel to Kobanê and Qamishlo. “Greetings to the fortress of resistance, Kobanê and Qamishlo. Today, we are all Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh,” he declared. He urged unity, stating, “Stand firm like a solid structure bound together; hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder. Your unity is your strongest weapon, one that can never be defeated or shaken.”
08.01.26 | 13:37
Statement from Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq:
“The events taking place in Aleppo, which involve targeting Kurds to alter the demographic structure of the region and endangering the lives of civilian citizens, are putting both the Damascus authority and the conscience of the international community under scrutiny.”
He called on all parties to assume their responsibilities, protect civilian lives, and prioritize dialogue as the only path to resolving disputes. Barzani also urged Syria’s current authorities to act with responsibility befitting a “democratic and inclusive government” that represents all components of Syrian society.
08.01.26 | 13:35
“Legitimate military targets” in Aleppo Identified by STG
The Syrian Transitional Government’s Aleppo Media Center
published this map outlining “legitimate military targets”.
Blue: “Syrian State” – (Transitional Government Forces)
Red: “Legitimate targets”
Yellow: “SDF” (Local, Internal Security Forces – Asayish)
08.01.26 | 13:30
Mass protests in many cities of Turkey
Protests, including press statements and marches, were held in Van, Şırnak, Nusaybin, Adana, Ankara, and Amed to protest attacks by groups affiliated with the Damascus transitional government on the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiye neighborhoods of Aleppo.
During the Platform of Democratic Institutions’ protest, participants stated, “Attacks in Aleppo mean no peace in Turkey. Just as we defended Kobanê in 2014, we will defend Rojava today.”
08.01.26 | 13:25
SOHR: Five Defense Ministry Personnel and Three Civilians Lost Their Lives in Midan
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) announced the death toll from clashes that began with attacks by groups affiliated with the Damascus transitional government. The SOHR reported that, so far, a total of nine civilians, including two children, have been killed and 63 injured in the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh. The SOHR also reported that three civilians were killed in the Midan neighborhood.
The SOHR also stated that five militants from groups affiliated with the Ministry of Defense and a security officer in Sheikh Maqsoud lost their lives.
08.01.26 | 13:22
Another Civilian Killed in Sheikh Maqsoud
In attacks by groups affiliated with the Damascus government on the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Eşrefiye, another civilian was killed, and five others were wounded.
Thus far, nine civilians, including two children, and one internal security forces member have lost their lives in the attacks that have been ongoing for three days, and 63 people have been injured.
DEM Party Spokesperson Doğan: Turkey Must Play a Constructive Role
DEM Party spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan said that attacks on Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo must stop immediately. She added, “What should Turkey do in Syria? Play a constructive role. It should play a role that encourages dialogue. Play a unifying, inclusive role.”
08.01.26 | 13:15
Actual Clashes situation:
Fierce clashes are ongoing across Aleppo’s Kurdish neighborhoods as Syrian transitional government forces have launched a large-scale offensive. They are deploying artillery barrages and ground troops in an attempt to storm the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafiyeh, and Bani Zaid. In response, local Kurdish Internal Security Forces (Asayish) units have launched a counteroffensive toward the Syriac neighborhood (Al-Suryan) to stop the advance of government troops. Intense fighting is reported across the front lines, leaving residents trapped under bombardment amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Statement by Internal Security Forces – Aleppo
Our forces are confronting the aggression of factions affiliated with the Damascus government and their allies on the Castello and Shaqif areas, successfully shooting down a drone belonging to these factions in Olive Roundabout in the Ashrafieh neighborhood.
The clashes are still ongoing.
08.01.26 | 12:50
Update from our Correspondent in Aleppo
From Isharat al-Sirian, our correspondent in Aleppo: Shelling continued throughout the night. Our correspondent says sleep was impossible under constant bombardment. Families are being displaced nonstop. Clashes are ongoing. At 1:30 PM (local time) today, Kurdish neighborhoods are set to be declared a military zone again. Arrests continue across Aleppo under accusations of SDF affiliation or ties to the former regime.
08.01.26 | 11:55
Attacks on Aleppo’s Kurdish Neighborhoods – Day 3
For the third consecutive day, government-affiliated factions have intensified shelling in Aleppo’s Kurdish-majority neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh. At least nine civilians have been killed and 63 injured since January 6, with heavy artillery, GRAD rockets, and suicide drones targeting densely populated areas. The Syrian Transitional Government’s (STG) Ministry of Defense has declared “SDF positions” as “legitimate military targets,” citing a “major escalation” — a move condemned by the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) as a war of extermination.
The Amargi
Amargi Columnist
