A tense calm has settled over Aleppo following violent clashes between the Syrian Army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The clashes, which resulted in the deaths of four civilians and injuries to eleven others, have led to a suspension of flights and cancellation of classes.
Accusations are flying between the two sides regarding responsibility for the outbreak of the fighting, which comes amid stalled negotiations that have dragged on for months. The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority announced the suspension of all flights to and from Aleppo International Airport for 24 hours.
The Governor of Aleppo also announced the suspension of work and classes for Wednesday across all government departments, schools, and universities. All public and social gatherings have also been canceled. According to the Governor, this decision was made in light of the current security situation and alleged SDF shelling of hospitals and institutions.
State news agency SANA reported that the death toll from Tuesday’s shelling by the SDF on residential buildings in the al-Midan district of Aleppo had risen to four civilians, including two women.
Heavy gunfire and clashes erupted near Shihane Square in Aleppo after an SDF drone allegedly targeted the area. The SDF, in turn, accused factions affiliated with the Ministry of Defense of targeting the Sheikh Maqsoud district and the Dir Hafir area, both under SDF control, holding them responsible for the escalation and vowing to retaliate.
Earlier reports indicated that clashes broke out near Shihane Square following an SDF attack on Syrian Army positions. Authorities reportedly closed the Aleppo-Gaziantep road at the Lairamoun roundabout after the SDF allegedly targeted Syrian Army personnel on the al-Castello road.
On Monday, the Syrian Ministry of Defense reported that three soldiers were injured in a drone attack in the Aleppo countryside, allegedly carried out by the SDF, and vowed to respond. SANA quoted the Ministry as saying that the SDF targeted a military police checkpoint near Syrian Army positions around the town of Dir Hafir, east of Aleppo.
The situation remains fluid, and DZWatch will continue to monitor developments closely.
