Syrian army declares areas east of Aleppo closed military zone PHOTO

The Syrian Arab Army has declared parts of eastern Aleppo province a closed military zone, citing what it describes as increased activity by armed groups in the area.

In a statement, the Army’s Operations Command said the towns of Deir Hafer and Maskanah, along with nearby areas on the western bank of the Euphrates River, would be off-limits as of January 13, Caliber.Az reports via Syrian media.

The decision follows reports of continued mobilisation by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), fighters linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), and remnants of the former Syrian government, according to the military.

The army alleged that the area had become a staging ground for drone attacks targeting the city of Aleppo, including the launch of Iranian-made suicide drones. A map published alongside the statement marked Deir Hafer, Maskanah, Babiri and Qawas as part of the restricted zone.

Military officials urged civilians to avoid positions held by armed groups in the area and warned that all fighters must withdraw to the eastern bank of the Euphrates. The command said it would “take all necessary measures” to prevent the area from being used for further attacks.

The announcement comes amid heightened military activity east of Aleppo. In recent days, the army has reported detecting increased movements by armed factions in the region and has sent additional reinforcements to frontlines around the city.

CNN cannot independently verify the claims made by the Syrian military, and there has been no immediate response from the SDF or other groups named in the statement.

By Aghakazim Guliyev