Key Facts
- ✓ At least nine people were killed in clashes between government forces and Kurdish SDF forces on January 6.
- ✓ Schools and universities in Aleppo were closed following the fighting.
- ✓ Flights to Aleppo were suspended for 24 hours.
- ✓ The defence ministry blamed the SDF for civilian casualties.
- ✓ The SDF accused the government of indiscriminate shelling in Kurdish-majority areas.
Quick Summary
On January 6, Aleppo witnessed deadly clashes between government forces and Kurdish SDF forces. The violence resulted in at least nine fatalities among the civilian population.
Following the fighting, educational institutions across the city were shuttered. Schools and universities remain closed as authorities manage the fallout of the conflict. Additionally, air travel was impacted, with flights to Aleppo suspended for a 24-hour period.
Accusations regarding the source of the violence have been exchanged. A statement from the defense ministry blamed the SDF for the civilian casualties. Conversely, the SDF accused the government of conducting indiscriminate shelling specifically in Kurdish-majority areas.
The Outbreak of Violence
Hostilities escalated in Aleppo on January 6, leading to significant loss of life. Reports confirm that at least nine people were killed during the engagement between opposing military factions.
The conflict pitted government forces against Kurdish SDF forces. The intensity of the fighting necessitated immediate responses from local authorities regarding public safety and infrastructure.
Conflicting Narratives
Both sides have issued statements assigning blame for the casualties. The defence ministry released a statement holding the SDF responsible for the deaths of civilians.
In response, the SDF has leveled accusations against the government. They claim that government forces engaged in indiscriminate shelling targeting Kurdish-majority areas.
Impact on Civilian Life
The aftermath of the clashes has severely disrupted daily life in the region. Educational activities were halted immediately following the violence.
Specific disruptions include:
- The closure of all schools in Aleppo
- Universities remaining shut down indefinitely
- A 24-hour suspension of flights to Aleppo
These measures reflect the severity of the security situation and the priority placed on protecting the civilian population in the immediate aftermath of the fighting.
Regional Context
The clashes underscore the fragile security environment in Aleppo and surrounding Kurdish-majority areas. Tensions between the government forces and Kurdish SDF forces continue to pose risks to civilian safety and stability.
The closure of critical infrastructure such as schools and airports highlights the vulnerability of public services to ongoing military confrontations in the region.
