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The Syrian government rejected accusations of ethnic targeting in its ongoing security operations in Aleppo on Wednesday, asserting that military measures around Kurdish-majority neighborhoods aim solely to maintain order and protect all civilians, according to a statement carried by the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency.
The statement, released in response to claims by the terror group SDF, Syrian branch of the PKK/YPG terror organization, accused the group of making "serious errors and false characterizations" that do not reflect realities on the ground.
Syrian authorities emphasized that responsibility for security and public protection belongs exclusively to the state and its legitimate institutions under the constitution and current laws, describing the protection of all Syrians, including Kurdish citizens, as a non-negotiable national and legal obligation.
Thousands of families have evacuated the Sheykh Maqsud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods of Aleppo following intense clashes between Syrian army forces and SDF terrorists, seeking refuge in mosques and temporary shelters established throughout the city. The displaced population consists primarily of women and children.
Meryem el-Basa, who fled Sheykh Maqsud with her family, described heavy bombardment that forced them from their homes. "We have three children, they were all very frightened," she said, adding that shells continually fell on their neighborhood and they were prevented from leaving at night until authorities declared a safe exit in the morning.
Huda Merasni, who left the Ashrafiyah neighborhood, said conditions had become unbearable due to bombardment and attacks. "Food, gas and fuel became impossible to obtain," she said. "The weather is very cold, we have small children. The bombardment has continued since yesterday, no one could sleep. This is the third time we've had to leave our homes."
The Aleppo Governorate announced that Syrian army forces have placed SDF controlled areas under siege in the Sheykh Maqsud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods. The government stated it seeks to eliminate what it calls a terrorist threat to Aleppo, demanding that armed groups withdraw from the neighborhoods.
The Syrian Army Operations Command said SDF elements have directly targeted civilians attempting to leave the neighborhoods in order to prevent their departure. The command stated that security and stability would be established in Ashrafiyah and Sheykh Maqsud through appropriate methods to protect civilians from SDF pressure.
According to an Anadolu Agency correspondent at exit points from the neighborhoods, the Syrian army opened two humanitarian corridors allowing thousands of civilians to pass to secure areas. Evacuees have been directed to shelters prepared by the Aleppo Governorate and other areas they consider safe.
The Syrian military stated it has not yet launched any advance operations into SDF-controlled areas but continues to facilitate safe civilian evacuation, operating under a principle of responding only to sources of fire.
UN Secretary-General spokesman Stephane Dujarric expressed concern over reports of civilian deaths and injuries following clashes in Aleppo. "The Secretary-General is disturbed by reports of civilian deaths and injuries following the clashes in Aleppo," Dujarric said at a daily press briefing.
He urged all parties to show flexibility and good faith in both military and political spheres and to immediately resume negotiations to fully implement the March 10 agreement. Dujarric reminded all parties of their obligation under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, calling on all actors to immediately de-escalate tensions and exercise maximum restraint.
The Syrian government statement emphasized that all those leaving conflict zones are civilians, noting that Kurdish citizens concerned about the fighting have sought refuge in areas under state and official institution control. The government characterized this as clear evidence of citizens' trust in the state and its capacity to provide security.
Syrian authorities reiterated that measures taken around the Sheykh Maqsud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods aim only to ensure security, prevent armed activities in residential areas, and stop these zones from being used as pressure tools against the city of Aleppo. The government renewed its demand for armed groups to withdraw from the neighborhoods and called for civilians to be kept completely away from political and media-driven conflicts.
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