The Syrian army clashed today with fighters from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in parts of Aleppo, reportedly ordering residents to evacuate their homes, according to Syrian state media.

The military released more than seven maps showing areas it said would be targeted by strikes, urging residents to leave immediately for their safety. Its operational command also announced a curfew in the Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafieh districts from 3 p.m. local time (2 p.m. GMT).

The fighting, which began on Tuesday, has forced thousands of civilians to flee, with reports of deaths and several injuries, according to state media.

The SDF stated that its fighters engaged in intense clashes with Damascus-linked forces and auxiliaries near Aleppo, inflicting heavy casualties.

The violence and conflicting claims highlight a deepening confrontation between Damascus and Kurdish authorities, who have resisted full integration into the central government.

Masrur Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, expressed deep concern over the attacks on Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo. He warned that targeting civilians and attempting to alter the region’s demographic composition could amount to ethnic cleansing. Barzani urged all parties to exercise restraint, protect civilians, and pursue dialogue.

The SDF also accused Damascus-linked factions of threatening civilian areas, noting that public warnings of bombings could constitute forced displacement and potentially war crimes under international humanitarian law.

Residents were seen leaving Sheikh Maqsud and Ashrafieh through designated safe corridors.

The SDF is a U.S.-backed coalition controlling much of northeastern Syria and has been Washington’s primary local partner in the fight against ISIS. Kurdish-led authorities have established a semi-autonomous administration in these areas and parts of Aleppo during Syria’s 14-year war, resisting full integration into the government in Damascus.

An agreement reached last year between Damascus and the SDF called for full integration by the end of 2025, but progress has been limited, with both sides blaming each other.

The U.S. has attempted to mediate, holding meetings as recently as last Sunday, though talks ended without tangible results. Diplomats warn that failure to integrate the SDF into Syria’s military could escalate violence and potentially involve Turkey, which has threatened military action against Kurdish fighters it considers terrorists.

Turkey stated today that it is ready to assist Syria if requested, following the Syrian army’s independent launch of what it called an “anti-terrorist” operation in Aleppo.