Escalating Violence Forces Widespread Disruption in Aleppo

A series of attacks in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo has forced the evacuation of a major hospital, shut down schools and government offices, and led to the closure of the city's international airport. The incidents, which occurred over several days, have killed and wounded civilians and severely disrupted essential services.

The violence began with shelling targeting multiple districts. On Sunday, the Aleppo Internal Medicine Hospital was struck, causing significant damage and forcing the urgent evacuation of all patients to the nearby al-Razi Hospital [43616][43229]. A medical source inside the facility stated the attack was carried out by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led military alliance [43616].

This was not an isolated incident. Shelling has repeatedly hit civilian infrastructure. On Tuesday, a school in the New Seryan neighborhood was struck, though no casualties were immediately reported [43297]. The same day, three civilians were killed and nine others wounded when shells hit residential areas and a government building, the Aleppo Agriculture Directorate [42984].

In response to the deteriorating security situation, local authorities took drastic measures. Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Gharib suspended all classes and government operations for a day, allowing only medical and emergency personnel to remain on duty [43230]. Furthermore, the General Authority of Civil Aviation closed Aleppo International Airport for 24 hours, diverting all flights to Damascus International Airport for passenger safety [43466][43512].

Syrian government forces have also been involved, evacuating civilians from neighborhoods they say were targeted by SDF attacks [32572][32575]. Clashes between the SDF and units of the Syrian national army have been reported in districts like Sheikh Maqsoud, leading to civilian casualties and prompting families to flee their homes [32413][32527].

The Syrian Interior Ministry has accused the SDF of a "major escalation," alleging that its attacks are a deliberate attempt to undermine local ceasefire agreements [32570]. The SDF has not issued widespread comment on the specific allegations.

The collective impact of these events highlights the fragile and volatile security environment in Aleppo, threatening the safety of civilians and crippling the city's critical infrastructure.