Syrian Army issues evacuation notice for civilians near new front with SDF east of Aleppo.

Recent developments in the Aleppo region of Syria have escalated tensions as the Syrian army issues evacuation orders to civilians amid growing military activity by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). With humanitarian efforts underway, the situation highlights the complexities of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution that prioritizes the safety of all citizens involved.

The Syrian army has called for the evacuation of civilians in parts of the rural Aleppo governorate amid growing concerns over military tensions with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The army has accused the SDF of significantly bolstering their troop presence in the area, leading to fears of an expanding front in the long-standing conflict as intense fighting has erupted in Aleppo city.

To provide relief, a “humanitarian zone” is set to remain open on Thursday, allowing residents to safely leave Deir Hafer and Maskana from 9 AM to 5 PM local time. Areas surrounding these towns have been designated as closed military zones, prompting the army to reinforce its presence in the region.

For over a week, violent clashes between the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led SDF and the Syrian army have resulted in at least 23 fatalities. Although a March agreement aimed to gradually integrate the SDF into the Syrian state framework, negotiations have stagnated, reigniting conflict in the region.

Following a ceasefire declared on January 9, some SDF fighters proceeded to relocate from Aleppo’s Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods to the northeastern parts of Syria, where they govern a semi-autonomous zone. The military’s call for the SDF to withdraw behind the Euphrates River suggests heightened military strategy and control in contested territories, though limited exchanges of fire have occurred between the two factions.

The Syrian government has recently accused the SDF of conducting drone strikes within Aleppo city, including an incident targeting the governorate building shortly after a press conference was held there. In retaliation, the SDF has claimed to fend off escalating attacks from the army on both infrastructure and facilities in Deir Hafer.

As tensions rise, the Syrian military has also closed off roads in the al-Safira area for security reasons, as stated by the state news agency SANA. It reports that the SDF troop mobilization involves elements from the Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) and remnants of past governmental forces. The PKK has a checkered past, having engaged in decades-long hostilities in Turkiye. As these events unfold, Turkish officials are monitoring the situation closely, with Ambassador Nuh Yilmaz emphasizing the desire for peace in a recent visit to Aleppo.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa has publicly expressed admiration for the Kurdish people’s resilience while criticizing the SDF’s handling of the current crisis. He pointed to the group’s lack of cooperation in facilitating civilian evacuations during the escalating violence and suggested that negotiations had been stalled by interference from the U.S. and France.

One noteworthy development is the release of a group of SDF fighters from detention, which aligns with the Syrian government’s broader initiative to facilitate reconciliation for those who may have lost their way but are not guilty of severe crimes against civilians. This move reflects the state’s commitment to nurturing an inclusive environment within its borders.

The ongoing turmoil in Syria continues to affect various communities, calling for urgent international attention and reinforced dialogue to reach a sustainable resolution that promotes peace and unity.

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