Clashes in Aleppo

On January 8, 2025, intense fighting continued in Aleppo between the forces of Syria's transitional government, backed by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the predominantly Kurdish districts of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya. Clashes that began on January 6–7 intensified, with the Syrian army conducting artillery shelling and attempted incursions, while the SDF repelled the attacks. According to sources, civilian casualties were reported as a result of the fighting: at least eight killed and dozens injured, along with losses on both sides. Millions of residents were forced to flee the areas in search of safety. The main cause of the escalation was the collapse of SDF integration into state structures under an agreement reached in March 2025.

Context

Fighters from both sides are involved in a long-term conflict in Syria, where competing military and political influences create instability in regions predominantly inhabited by Kurds.