Renewed Fighting Erupts in Syria’s Aleppo, Displacing Over 160,000 People

Intense fighting has erupted once again in the Syrian city of Aleppo following the collapse of a ceasefire. Clashes are ongoing between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), forcing at least 162,000 people to flee to safer areas from the Ashrafiyah and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods.

Mohammad al-Rajab, head of Aleppo’s emergency services department, said continuous shelling and ground combat have put civilians’ lives at serious risk. He noted that the situation is particularly critical in the Sheikh Maqsoud area.

A source within the Syrian army claimed that government forces have made advances in Sheikh Maqsoud and are now in control of approximately 55 percent of the area. The army also reported that at least three government soldiers were killed in SDF attacks during the clashes.

Meanwhile, the SDF accused pro-government armed groups of shelling areas east of Aleppo, alleging that a 10-year-old girl was killed in Deir Hafer as a result of the bombardment.

Since violence resumed on Tuesday this week, at least 22 people have been killed so far, including civilians.

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the renewed fighting. The organization has urged all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and called for an immediate end to the violence.