Civilians Evacuate as Tensions Escalate Near Aleppo
Hundreds of civilians have fled to areas controlled by the Syrian government in the north of the country, ahead of a potential military offensive by Syrian army troops. The exodus occurred on Friday, 16 January 2026, with people using side roads to escape territory east of Aleppo held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Blocked Highways and a 'Humanitarian Corridor'
Associated Press journalists reported that the main highway was blocked with barriers at a checkpoint, forcing evacuees to take alternative routes. This followed an announcement by the Syrian army on Wednesday, which declared it would open a 'humanitarian corridor' for civilian evacuations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday. The move was widely seen as signalling imminent military action.
Men, women, and children arrived in government zones packed into cars and pickup trucks filled with bags of clothes, mattresses, and other belongings. Syrian state TV reported that despite the SDF closing the main highway, approximately 4,000 people managed to reach safety using other roads. In some instances, people crossed canals on small boats and navigated a heavily damaged pedestrian bridge.
Stalled Talks and International Appeals for Calm
The current tensions follow intense clashes in Aleppo last week, which resulted in Kurdish fighters evacuating three northern neighbourhoods. The fighting erupted as negotiations between Damascus and the SDF have stalled. These talks were based on a March agreement to integrate forces and for the central government to take control of key institutions like border crossings and oil fields.
The U.S. special envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, posted on X on Friday, stating that Washington remains in close contact with all parties and is "working around the clock to lower the temperature, prevent escalation, and return to integration talks." A U.S. military convoy was seen arriving in the town of Deir Hafer, though its mission was unclear.
Inside Deir Hafer, an eerie calm descended with many shops closed and residents staying indoors. One evacuee, Umm Talal, said she left when she saw others going, noting the road seemed safe. Another, Abu Mohammed, expressed frustration, saying he came after hearing of a safe corridor, "only to be surprised when we arrived at Deir Hafer and found it closed."
The SDF has been the main U.S. partner in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria for years. However, Turkey considers it a terrorist organisation due to its links to Kurdish separatist groups.
