Syrian Army Launches Operation to Clear Sheikh Maqsoud of SDF Holdouts in Aleppo

Overview

• Damascus announced the operation after the ceasefire deadline for an organized SDF withdrawal expired.
• The Syrian operations command earlier warned residents to keep away from SDF and PKK positions in the district.
• State media report that some SDF fighters refused to leave and opened fire on security forces in violation of the truce.
• Turkish security sources say they are in constant contact with Syria and the U.S. and that a safe exit route east of the Euphrates was established.
• The latest escalation followed Jan. 6 SDF drone strikes and has resulted in nine civilian deaths and at least 55 wounded, according to official reports.