Humanitarian Situation Update – Aleppo – 9 January 2026
Since the evening of 6 January, the city of Aleppo has witnessed a notable security escalation following the outbreak of armed clashes in several of its northern neighborhoods, leading to a deterioration in overall security conditions and widespread anxiety among the civilian population.
The military escalation were accompanied by an accelerated movement of internal displacement, which continued throughout 7 and 8 January, alongside growing concerns related to the protection and safety of civilians.
The clashes were concentrated in densely populated neighborhoods, notably Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, Nile Street, and the Syriac Neighborhood, significantly increasing the level of risk to civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The confrontations were marked by brief and unstable periods of calm, while strict security measures were imposed, including movement restrictions and the closure of several roads.
In addition, a curfew was declared during evening hours in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh.
In this context, the Syrian Arab Army designated two humanitarian crossings to facilitate the exit of civilians from areas affected by the clashes: Al-Awarid Crossing in Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood Al-Zohour Crossing in Ashrafieh neighborhood These measures aimed to enable civilians to leave the affected areas under relatively safer conditions.
Public announcements and warnings were also issued, urging residents to adhere to designated safe routes and to stay away from military sites affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), given the likelihood of these sites being targeted during ongoing military operations.
In the context of subsequent developments, the Syrian Ministry of Defense announced in the early hours of 9 January a ceasefire in the vicinity of Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Bani Zaid neighborhoods, effective from the early morning hours, granting armed groups a deadline until 09:00 a.m. to withdraw.
The Syrian Arab Army also committed to securing their safe passage toward northeastern areas, with the stated aim of ending the military situation and enabling civilians to return to their homes safely.
Protection Violations and Humanitarian Concerns Field information indicates the occurrence of serious human rights violations in areas targeted by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
These violations include reports of field executions of escaped detainees during periods of security chaos.
In addition, reports were received regarding gunfire directed at civilians attempting to flee conflict areas.
The SDF was also documented to have conducted artillery shelling targeting the Al-Zohour humanitarian crossing on 7 January, as well as preventing civilians from leaving the area.
These violations indicate high levels of protection risks, particularly for women, children, and the elderly, and underscore the urgent need for timely humanitarian intervention in line with current field developments, the activation of effective monitoring mechanisms, and the strengthening of civilian protection measures.