23 Dead in Aleppo Clashes as Syrian Army SDF Aleppo Evacuation 2026 Begins

Twenty-three lives have been lost in just ten days. The Syrian army has issued a final warning to the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces), declaring rural Aleppo a closed military zone. On January 15, 2026, military officials ordered civilians to flee the area as tensions reach a breaking point.

Implications of the Syrian Army SDF Aleppo Evacuation 2026

The military established a 'humanitarian zone' open from 9am to 5pm local time to allow residents to exit Deir Hafer and Maskana. This move follows accusations that the SDF has been building up troops in the eastern countryside following a week of deadly street fighting inside Aleppo city. Reinforcements from the national army have already begun streaming into the region.

The conflict stems from the stalling of a March agreement intended to integrate the SDF into state institutions. While a ceasefire on January 9 allowed some fighters to retreat to the northeast, the government now demands a full withdrawal to the other side of the Euphrates river. Both sides have traded blame, with the army citing drone strikes and the SDF reporting attacks on vital infrastructure.

Regional Watch and Al-Sharaa's Hardline Stance

Neighboring Turkiye is watching the escalation closely. Nuh Yilmaz, Turkiye's ambassador to Damascus, visited Aleppo this week, expressing hope for a peaceful resolution. However, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa used a state TV interview to lash out at the SDF, accusing them of blocking civilian evacuations and refusing international mediation from the US and France.