Last Kurdish Forces Withdraw from Aleppo Following Intense Clashes

In a significant turn of events, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have agreed to withdraw from the Syrian city of Aleppo, following days of severe fighting that has led to heavy casualties and widespread displacement. Despite the Syrian army's claim of having cleared the last Kurdish-held area in Aleppo, the SDF initially denied the takeover. However, the standoff ended when the Kurdish fighters accepted to evacuate the city, marking an end to the deadly battles that have resulted in the death and displacement of scores of civilians.

Rising Tensions and Collapse of Ceasefire

The violence in Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, underscores the fragility of the security situation in the country, which has been plagued by a 14-year-long civil war. The recent clashes between the Syrian army and the SDF have deepened the divide in Syria, a country that President Ahmed al-Sharaa promises to unify under one leadership. The fighting began when the SDF defied a deadline to withdraw during a temporary ceasefire, leading the government forces to strike the Sheikh Maqsoud district.

The ceasefire's failure led to a resumption of hostilities, with widespread reports of smoke, gunfire, and drone strikes. According to Al Jazeera, the United Nations has expressed grave concern over the fighting and urged for the protection of civilians. TASS reported that the death toll from Kurdish shelling of Aleppo since January 6 stands at 23, with at least 104 people injured.

The Aftermath: Displacement and Evacuation

The intense fighting has led to the displacement of an estimated 150,000 people from Aleppo, according to ANSA. The Syrian army has reportedly ordered civilians to evacuate neighbourhoods of Aleppo, deepening the rift between the Syrian government and the U.S.-backed Kurdish authorities in Syria.

Following the clashes, Syrian authorities claimed a victory, asserting they had observed the surrender of the SDF. In response, the SDF agreed to evacuate Aleppo, marking a significant development in the Syrian conflict. Syria's official SANA news agency reported that buses carrying the last batch of members of the SDF organisation have left the Sheikh Maqsoud neighbourhood in Aleppo, heading towards northeastern Syria.

Reactions and Implications

The Syrian government has denounced Kurdish drone strikes on Aleppo as terrorist attacks, calling on the international community to condemn these acts. Meanwhile, the U.S. and allied forces have launched separate large-scale strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria. The fight against terrorism and the integration of armed factions remain significant challenges for Syria's post-war state-building project.

Conclusion

Despite the Syrian army's declaration of a ceasefire and the subsequent evacuation of the SDF, the situation in Aleppo remains tense. As noted by Al Jazeera, the city's residents are caught between hope and fear amid the ongoing fighting. The recent events in Aleppo once again highlight the complex and volatile nature of the Syrian conflict, raising concerns about the future stability and unity of the country.