Heavy Clashes in Aleppo as Syrian Army Advances into SDF-Held Neighborhoods

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published January 8, 2026

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Heavy fighting continues in Aleppo, Syria, as government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) clash for the third consecutive day amid an intensification of military operations. Syrian army units have reportedly launched concentrated bombardments on positions in the predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, areas that Damascus has long sought to bring back under central control.

The escalation has prompted local authorities to declare parts of the city closed military zones and impose curfews, while repeated shelling and ground engagements have forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes as fighting escalates around residential districts.

Both sides accuse each other of targeting civilian zones and breaching previous agreements, with government forces alleging SDF elements used urban areas for offensive operations, and Kurdish representatives denying such claims and accusing government factions of indiscriminate bombardment.

The clashes come amid wider political tension following stalled negotiations over integration between Damascus and Kurdish authorities, prompting international concern over the potential humanitarian fallout from prolonged conflict in Aleppo