SARD Flash Report 02: Aleppo Clashes, Syria (January 11, 2026)

A critical escalation in military clashes between Syrian government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) erupted on January 6, 2026, marking the most intense conflict in Aleppo since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

Clashes have been concentrated in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh, and several areas in northern Aleppo have been declared closed military zones with a full curfew in place. As of January 10, clashes have displaced 148,000 individuals heading to Afrin district and collective shelters in Aleppo city.

Aleppo hosts 193,079 returnees (15.1% of nationwide returns since Dec 2024) returning to damaged infrastructure amid a $83 million winter funding gap (74% shortfall).

As of January 11, the SDF agreed to withdraw its fighters out of Aleppo to northeastern Syria.

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