Syria Opens Civilian Evacuation Corridor in Aleppo Amid Rising Tensions with Kurdish-Led Forces

DAMASCUS, Jan 15: Syria’s military announced on Wednesday that it would open a “humanitarian corridor” on Thursday for civilians to evacuate areas east of Aleppo city amid mounting tensions following clashes between government forces and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The corridor will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time, signaling possible preparations for a military operation in the towns of Deir Hafer, Maskana, and surrounding areas, about 60 kilometers east of Aleppo city. The army also called on the SDF and other armed groups to withdraw to the east side of the Euphrates River.

Government troops have already reinforced the area after accusing the SDF of building up forces there, a claim the Kurdish-led group denies. Limited exchanges of fire have occurred, and the SDF has alleged that Turkish drones conducted strikes in the region. The government also accuses the SDF of drone attacks in Aleppo city, including one targeting the governorate building.

The Deir Hafer area tensions follow intense clashes in Aleppo city last week, which killed at least 23 people, displaced tens of thousands, and ended with government control of three neighborhoods previously held by Kurdish fighters. Negotiations between Damascus and the SDF over integrating forces and transferring control of institutions, including border crossings and oil fields, have stalled.

Some factions of the newly formed Syrian army, created after the fall of former President Bashar Assad in December 2024, were previously Turkey-backed insurgent groups with a history of conflict against Kurdish forces. The SDF has been a key US partner in fighting Daesh but is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey due to links with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

SDF officials warned that further escalation could have “dangerous repercussions on civilians, infrastructure, and vital facilities” and placed full responsibility on Damascus. US Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper said the United States is “closely monitoring” the situation and urged all parties to exercise restraint, protect civilians, and return to negotiations in good faith.

Meanwhile, interim Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa praised Kurdish courage and reiterated guarantees for their rights while criticizing the SDF for failing to comply with previous withdrawal agreements and allegedly preventing civilians from evacuating.

Syria’s state TV aired excerpts of Al-Sharaa’s comments on Wednesday after the original broadcast was delayed over concerns about inflaming tensions. The SDF has yet to respond.