Aleppo: Heavy fighting between Syrian government forces and Kurdish led fighters in Aleppo slowed on Friday after a ceasefire was announced, but residents and aid workers say the situation on the ground remains tense and uncertain.
Earlier this week the Syrian army ordered civilians to evacuate several Kurdish neighbourhoods in Aleppo as clashes intensified with Kurdish led Syrian Democratic Forces. The areas affected included Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh where shelling and gunfire forced thousands of families to flee their homes.
Witnesses said streets emptied quickly as people moved to safer parts of the city or sought shelter with relatives. Local medical sources reported that hospitals were under pressure as wounded civilians arrived amid shortages of staff and supplies.
After days of violence the defence ministry announced a ceasefire, saying it would allow a short window for armed groups to withdraw and for calm to return. Fighting dropped sharply after the announcement, although sporadic gunfire was still heard in some areas.
The clashes reflect growing tension between Damascus and Kurdish authorities following the collapse of talks last year aimed at integrating Kurdish forces into state structures. Those negotiations had raised hopes of stability in the north but distrust on both sides has deepened.
Regional and international players are watching closely. Turkey has said it would support Syrian government efforts if requested, while the United States has urged all sides to de escalate and protect civilians.
For residents of Aleppo the ceasefire has brought brief relief but little confidence. Many displaced families say they are afraid to return home, worried that fighting could resume at any time and further damage what is left of their neighbourhoods.