Syrian army tells civilians to evacuate new front with SDF east of Aleppo

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffJanuary 15, 2026 at 08:04 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

The Syrian army has ordered civilians to evacuate parts of rural Aleppo governorate, specifically Deir Hafer and Maskana, due to escalating tensions with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). A "humanitarian zone" was opened on Thursday to allow residents to leave before the areas were declared closed military zones. This follows days of deadly clashes in Aleppo city between the Syrian army and the SDF, despite a previous agreement to incorporate the SDF into Syrian state institutions. The Syrian army accuses the SDF of troop build-ups and drone strikes, while demanding the SDF withdraw east of the Euphrates River. At least 23 people have been killed in the recent fighting.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 40% Zein Basravi 40% Euphrates river 40% Maskana ×260% Deir Hafer ×370% Syria ×470% Syrian Arab Army ×680% Aleppo ×890% Syrian Democratic Forces ×1090%

Keywords

syrian democratic forces (sdf) 100% aleppo 90% syrian army 90% military zones 70% evacuation 70% deir hafer 60% humanitarian zone 60% conflict 60% maskana 50% ceasefire 50%