Clashes Escalate in Aleppo as Asayish and Government Forces Exchange Fire

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Deir Hafer crossing.

Violent clashes and reciprocal shelling erupted on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, between the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) and Syrian government-aligned factions in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud neighbourhood.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that artillery fire struck populated areas, causing widespread panic among residents. At this stage, no information has been confirmed regarding casualties or the full extent of material damage.

SOHR added that the al-Amshat factions, affiliated with the Damascus government, also targeted the densely populated town of Deir Hafer with mortars, heavy weaponry, and suicide drones, causing damage to the electricity network. The factions reportedly carried out further attacks on Tell Syriatel near the Tishrin Dam, again using mortars and heavy weapons.

Reconnaissance aircraft were observed over Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Bani Zeid, while government shelling of civilian neighbourhoods added to fear and panic among the local population.

In response, the Asayish targeted two positions held by Syrian National Army (SNA) factions near Castello Road. SOHR reported that one member of the 72nd Division was killed and four others injured in the clashes.

SOHR warned that fighting in densely populated areas presents a direct threat to civilians and called on all parties to avoid further escalation.

Meanwhile, forces loyal to the Syrian Interim Government have fully closed the Deir Hafer crossing in eastern Aleppo countryside, erecting large earthen barriers and blocking main roads connecting their areas with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)-controlled territory. The closure has brought traffic to a standstill and disrupted the transport of goods and fuel, worsening the humanitarian situation for civilians on both sides. SOHR urged that vital crossings be safeguarded to ensure residents’ safety and continued access to essential supplies.


PUKMEDIA