Syrian Army declares SDF sites in Aleppo legitimate targets

The Operations Command of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has declared that all military positions held by the SDF organization within the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods of Aleppo are legitimate military targets.

In a statement, the command said the decision follows “the major escalation carried out by the organization toward the neighborhoods of the city of Aleppo and its massacres against civilians,” SANA reports.

The SAA urged residents to maintain a safe distance from SDF positions. “We urge our civilian people in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods to immediately distance themselves from SDF sites,” the statement emphasized.

To facilitate civilian safety, the army announced the opening of two humanitarian corridors, providing residents with secure evacuation routes. “We announce two safe humanitarian crossings, Al-Awarid Crossing and Al-Zohour Street Crossing, which are known to the residents of the area, until 3 p.m.,” the statement added.

The announcement comes in the wake of attacks by SDF forces on residential neighborhoods on January 6, which resulted in the deaths of three civilians, including two women, and injuries to 15 others, including two children, in areas surrounding Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh.

The Syrian Arab Army stressed that its operations aim to neutralize the SDF threat while providing avenues for civilian protection and safe passage.

By Vafa Guliyeva