UN says renewed Aleppo fighting kills civilians, displaces 30,000
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – At least five civilians were killed and around 30,000 people displaced after renewed clashes erupted in the Syrian city of Aleppo, the United Nations and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday.
The UN reported extensive damage to homes and public infrastructure, including healthcare facilities. At least three major hospitals have ceased operations, and flights at Aleppo International Airport have been suspended since Jan. 6.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced alarm over civilian casualties and injuries, calling on all parties to respect international humanitarian law.
“All actors must immediately de-escalate, exercise maximum restraint, and take all measures to prevent further harm to civilians,” UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said.
OCHA estimates that some 2,000 families have fled to Afrin, while around 1,100 people are sheltering in nine collective centers inside Aleppo. Thousands more sought refuge with host communities.
The Secretary-General urged a return to political talks and the full implementation of the March 10 agreement between the government and the SDF, stressing the need for a unified national command to ensure security for all Syrians.
Fighting resumed on Jan. 6 between factions affiliated with the Syrian transitional government and the Kurdish-led Internal Security Forces (Asayish) in the Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh in Aleppo, following a brief lull after a ceasefire announced in late December 2025.
The fighting has left 12 people dead and more than 80 injured, according to figures released by both sides.
The Asayish announced that eight civilians were killed and 52 injured, with at least 300 homes and dozens of service and medical facilities damaged in what it described as direct targeting of safe residential areas.
Aleppo’s Health Directorate reported four deaths and 27 injuries from shelling that struck areas near Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh.
The Syrian Ministry of Interior said three security members were wounded by artillery fire launched from the two neighborhoods, targeting the vicinity of Shihan roundabout.