Aleppo civilians flee as clashes escalate between government and Kurdish forces

Syrian military ordered evacuations of two predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo, prompting tens of thousands to leave; explosions were reported after the evacuation deadline and more than 46,000 people have been displaced in the province.

Syrian authorities ordered residents to evacuate two predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods in northern Aleppo, and tens of thousands of people left after the deadline set by the military. Explosions were reported in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Achrafieh neighborhoods once the evacuation period ended. The violence unfolded while talks about integrating the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into the national army showed little progress. Known facts: - The military gave people until 3 p.m. (1200 GMT) to leave Sheikh Maqsoud and Achrafieh and described the areas as a closed military zone after the deadline; explosions were reported after that time. - Aleppo's Directorate of Social Affairs and Labor said more than 46,000 people have been displaced across the province. - Reports said clashes and shelling killed seven people in SDF-held areas and five in government-held areas, and that dozens were wounded. - State media reported the army would launch a "limited military operation" in Aleppo, and the SDF said government forces used heavy weapons while Kurdish fighters resisted to protect neighborhoods. Summary: The fighting has led to large-scale displacement and reported casualties in Aleppo and has occurred amid stalled talks over merging the SDF with the national army. Undetermined at this time.