Story perspectives

Syrian Forces Assault Kurdish Areas, Spark Outcry

1/9/2026

50 3

Summary

Story summary

On January 6, armed factions affiliated with the Syrian government launched a severe assault on the Kurdish-majority neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh in Aleppo, using heavy artillery and tanks, affecting more than half a million residents, including many displaced Kurds.
The Syrian government restricted movement and cut off essential supplies under Turkish pressure.
Ilham Ahmed, a Kurdish leader, condemned the violence as a "war of extermination."

1 of 1

Story summary

On January 6, armed factions affiliated with the Syrian government launched a severe assault on the Kurdish-majority neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh in Aleppo, using heavy artillery and tanks, affecting more than half a million residents, including many displaced Kurds.
The Syrian government restricted movement and cut off essential supplies under Turkish pressure.
Ilham Ahmed, a Kurdish leader, condemned the violence as a "war of extermination."