Civilians Flee Aleppo District as Syrian Army Advances

Civilians have begun evacuating the Sheikh Maqsoud district of Aleppo. This follows an announcement by the Syrian Army that it opened a safe corridor for people to leave. The army stated it identified military positions inside the neighborhood. It claims the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led group, used these positions to shell other parts of Aleppo. The opening of the corridor suggests a possible new army operation in the area. It allows civilians to escape ahead of potential fighting. Sheikh Maqsoud has been under SDF control for years. It is one of the last areas in western Aleppo not held by the Syrian government.