Fighting between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Aleppo, Syria, has displaced thousands of civilians, according to an Al Jazeera report published on January 7, 2026. The clashes occurred in areas the Syrian government had declared closed military zones.

Al Jazeera's Resul Serdar reported from the ground, witnessing the exodus of people fleeing the conflict. The specific reasons for the escalation in fighting were not immediately clear, but the Syrian army and the SDF have a history of strained relations and territorial disputes in the region. The SDF, backed by the United States in the fight against ISIS, controls significant portions of northern Syria, an area the Syrian government seeks to bring back under its control.

The fighting in Aleppo highlights the complex and multi-faceted nature of the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011. While ISIS has been territorially defeated, numerous armed groups continue to operate in the country, vying for power and control. This ongoing conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of Syrians displaced internally and as refugees in neighboring countries.

The United Nations and other international organizations have repeatedly called for a ceasefire and a negotiated solution to the Syrian conflict. However, numerous attempts at peace talks have failed to produce a lasting resolution. The current fighting in Aleppo further undermines these efforts and exacerbates the suffering of the civilian population.

As of the Al Jazeera report, the fighting was ongoing, and the number of displaced people was expected to rise. The report did not indicate any immediate plans for a ceasefire or de-escalation of the conflict. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days and weeks.