Syrian Army imposes curfew, seals off Aleppo areas amid SDF clashes
The army urged local residents to stay away from SDF positions for their own safety. It said the measures were aimed at protecting civilians and facilitating military operations.
KATHMANDU: The Syrian army has declared the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya neighborhoods in the northern city of Aleppo as closed military zones, imposing a full curfew following escalating clashes with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
In an official statement, the Syrian Arab Army’s operations command said all SDF positions in the two areas would now be considered legitimate military targets. The decision, it said, was taken in response to what it described as rising tensions and repeated attacks that have resulted in civilian casualties.
The army urged local residents to stay away from SDF positions for their own safety. It said the measures were aimed at protecting civilians and facilitating military operations.
Authorities also announced the opening of two humanitarian corridors for civilians wishing to leave the affected areas.
Over the past several days, Aleppo has witnessed intensified violence, including drone strikes, artillery shelling, and exchanges of gunfire between government forces and SDF-affiliated units. State-run media reported that both civilians and security personnel have been killed, with several others injured.
Syrian officials accused the SDF of targeting residential areas and security posts. The SDF, however, rejected the claims, alleging that government forces were carrying out indiscriminate shelling.
The latest fighting has further strained Aleppo’s already fragile security situation. The clashes come at a sensitive time, as political talks between the Syrian government and the SDF—reportedly scheduled for March 2025—have stalled.
