ALEPPO, Syria — Tens of thousands of civilians are fleeing northern Aleppo as clashes between Syrian government forces and Kurdish‑led fighters intensify, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Evacuation Orders
On Thursday, Syrian authorities ordered residents to evacuate contested neighborhoods including Sheikh Maqsoud, Achrafieh, and Bani Zaid, opening corridors for a second day and setting deadlines ahead of planned military operations. Sporadic shelling was reported as families streamed out, many carrying only what they could.
Scale of Displacement
Local officials estimate nearly 140,000 people have been displaced across Aleppo province. Rescue workers say the most vulnerable are among those fleeing:
- Elderly residents
- Women and children
- People with serious medical conditions
Mohammad Ali, Operations Director at the White Helmets, said: “A large number of people also left today, almost 11,000 have fled so far.”
Syria Civilian Casualties
Both sides report civilian deaths:
- Kurdish forces say 12 civilians were killed in Kurdish‑majority areas.
- Government officials report nine civilian deaths in surrounding districts.
- Dozens more have been wounded.
Political Context
The fighting comes amid stalled negotiations between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Earlier in 2025, both sides signed a deal to merge SDF units into the Syrian army by year’s end, but implementation has faltered.
Outlook
Aleppo, already scarred by years of war, faces another wave of displacement and uncertainty. With humanitarian corridors under strain and negotiations stalled, the city risks sliding deeper into crisis as civilians continue to flee in massive numbers.