New York, Jan.14 (SANA) The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that thousands of displaced residents have begun returning to their homes in the Aleppo neighborhoods of Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud, following weeks of displacement caused by clashes between the Syrian Arab Army and SDF organization.
In a statement published on the UN News website, OCHA said access to the two neighborhoods is gradually improving, although it remains partially restricted due to ongoing operations to clear unexploded ordnance and explosive remnants of war. The agency noted that basic services are being progressively restored and are showing signs of improvement.
OCHA said public services are resuming in stages, including the restoration of water supplies after the Babiri water station was brought back into operation.
The UN office added that humanitarian agencies and partners on the ground continue to provide assistance, including shelter, health care, nutrition services and food support, stressing that the UN and its partners remain ready to adjust and scale up their response as needed.
Aleppo Governor Azzam al-Gharib said on Tuesday that safe life has returned to Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud under a carefully prepared plan focused on civilian safety and long-term stability. He said engineering units are continuing efforts to remove mines and explosives left behind by SDF, while technical service teams are reopening roads and restoring electricity and water supplies.
The Syrian Arab Army had announced a military operation against the SDF organization in the two neighborhoods in response to SDF’s repeated attacks on civilians. During the operation, authorities opened two safe humanitarian corridors to allow civilians to leave the area.
Tens of thousands of residents evacuated through the corridors, despite attempts by SDF to prevent civilians from reaching them, including by opening fire and shelling the routes, according to official statements. Local authorities in Aleppo received the displaced residents and provided shelter and assistance.
Last Saturday, authorities announced the completion of security sweeps in both neighborhoods and the withdrawal of SDF militants toward areas in northeastern Syria.
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