By Micah Jonah
January 10, 2026
Fresh fighting has erupted in Syria’s northern city of Aleppo following the collapse of a ceasefire, triggering a large-scale displacement of civilians and prompting alarm from the United Nations.
The Syrian army and fighters from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are engaged in intense clashes in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighbourhoods after negotiations over an agreed withdrawal broke down. Local emergency officials say the violence has forced at least 162,000 residents to flee their homes in recent days.
Syria’s state media reported that an SDF fighter detonated an explosive device near government forces in Sheikh Maqsoud, while security units, backed by the army, began search and control operations in the area.
The SDF, however, rejected government claims that the military had secured most of the neighbourhood, describing such statements as inaccurate.
The renewed fighting is linked to the failure to implement a political and security agreement reached last March, which was intended to integrate SDF forces and Kurdish-run institutions into the Syrian state. The stalled deal has become a flashpoint as both sides accuse each other of violating its terms.
The UN has said it is gravely concerned by the escalation, has urged all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians. Aid agencies warn that the scale of displacement, combined with winter conditions and limited shelter, is worsening the humanitarian situation.
Aleppo’s governor has imposed curfews in affected districts and urged displaced residents not to return until security operations are complete, citing the presence of unexploded ordnance and other hazards. Despite the warnings, some civilians have begun moving back, driven by poor conditions in temporary shelters.
Authorities have also extended the suspension of flights at Aleppo International Airport, diverting air traffic to Damascus as the security situation remains volatile.
Aleppo, one of the cities most devastated during Syria’s 14-year conflict, continues to struggle with damaged infrastructure and limited capacity to absorb new waves of displacement, underscoring the fragility of stability in post-war Syria.
