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Aleppo Ceasefire Extended as SDF Evacuation from Contested Areas Begins

A ceasefire in parts of Aleppo has been unofficially extended to facilitate the evacuation of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters from contested neighbourhoods. The Syrian government has arranged buses to transport fighters out, following clashes that killed at least 22 people and displaced over 100,000 residents. Officials warn that fighting could resume if the withdrawal does not proceed as planned. Government institutions are preparing to restore basic services once security operations, including mine clearance, are complete.

Key Points: Syria Extends Aleppo Ceasefire for SDF Fighter Evacuation

  • Ceasefire unofficially extended
  • 50+ buses for SDF evacuation
  • 22 dead, 100,000+ displaced
  • Govt warns fighting may resume
  • Services to be restored post-withdrawal
2 min read

Aleppo ceasefire extended as Syria prepares evacuation of SDF fighters

Syria extends a ceasefire in Aleppo to evacuate SDF fighters. Clashes displaced 100,000+ and killed 22. Buses enter neighbourhoods for withdrawal.

"security forces entered the Ashrafieh neighbourhood in the city of Aleppo after violent clashes with the SDF forces - Syrian government"

Damascus, January 9

A ceasefire announced by Syria's Defence Ministry in parts of Aleppo has been unofficially extended, amid continued efforts to evacuate fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces in contested neighbourhoods, Al Jazeera reported.

According to Syrian officials cited by Al Jazeera, around 50 buses are being arranged to transport SDF fighters out of Aleppo neighbourhoods where clashes have taken place over the past several days.

The Syrian government said on Thursday evening that "security forces entered the Ashrafieh neighbourhood in the city of Aleppo after violent clashes with the SDF forces".

The violence, which erupted earlier this week, has left at least 22 people dead, including civilians. More than 100,000 residents have been forced to flee their homes in Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud since fighting broke out between Syrian government forces and the SDF, Al Jazeera reported.

The Syrian army said that buses have already entered the Sheikh Maqsoud neighbourhood to begin transporting SDF fighters out of the city.

A ceasefire brokered by the United States came into effect at around 3 am. Following this, Syrian authorities asked SDF fighters to relocate to eastern Aleppo.

Most of the fighting over the past three days had been concentrated on the outskirts and surrounding areas of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. However, officials said government forces managed to advance into the centre of Ashrafieh overnight.

SDF fighters are now concentrated in Sheikh Maqsoud, where the ceasefire has been extended to allow additional time for their withdrawal. The government has warned that fighting could resume if the evacuation does not proceed as planned, Al Jazeera reported.

Meanwhile, displaced civilians are awaiting official clearance to return to their homes. Authorities said the areas remain unsafe, as security forces continue to clear mines and unexploded ordnance.

The Aleppo Media Directorate told Al Jazeera that the ceasefire, originally scheduled to end at 9 am (0600 GMT), has been extended, though no formal public announcement has been made.

In the coming hours, SDF fighters are expected to be transferred to the east of the Euphrates River along with their light personal weapons, according to an announcement by Syria's Defence Ministry.

Government institutions in Aleppo are also preparing to enter the Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighbourhoods to restore basic services for residents.

The Aleppo Response Committee is coordinating plans to return civilians once security operations are complete, mines are cleared, and roads are reopened, Al Jazeera reported.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The US-brokered ceasefire is a positive step, but it feels fragile. The government warning that fighting could resume is concerning. A permanent political solution is needed, not just temporary evacuations. The international community must keep pushing for dialogue.
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Arjun K
Seeing reports of 22 dead, including civilians. Absolutely tragic. While the ceasefire extension is good news, the underlying issues remain. Syria's stability is crucial for the entire region. Hope the evacuation proceeds peacefully and services are restored quickly for the residents.
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Priya S
The government preparing to restore basic services is the most important part. People need water, electricity, and functioning hospitals. This conflict has gone on for too long. The world's attention has moved on, but the suffering hasn't. #Aleppo
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Vikram M
A respectful criticism: The article mentions the US brokering the ceasefire, but what about regional players? The situation is complex, and lasting peace requires involvement from all neighboring countries, not just distant powers. The focus should be on a Syrian-led resolution.
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Karthik V
Evacuating fighters with their light weapons to east of the Euphrates... sounds like just moving the problem to another location. Doesn't solve the core issue. Hope the ceasefire holds and gives civilians some much-needed relief. The Aleppo Response Committee has a tough job ahead.

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