Syrian Army Orders Aleppo Evacuation, Threatens US-Backed Forces

The Syrian army has told civilians to evacuate parts of Aleppo, raising fears of a major new conflict. The order targets three neighborhoods where the army is fighting US-backed Kurdish forces. On Thursday, the army urged people to leave the Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Bani Zeid areas. It set an afternoon deadline and opened escape routes and shelters. The army stated it will begin full military operations against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after the deadline. It published maps showing the exact zones to be cleared. This escalation marks a serious breakdown between the Syrian government and the Kurdish authorities in northern Syria. The Kurdish forces have been a key US ally in the region. Fighting between the two sides has already continued for three days. The evacuation order suggests a significant intensification is imminent.