Aleppo, Jan.9 (SANA) The Defense Ministry stressed that the Syrian Arab Army’s policy of granting repeated time extensions, refraining from hastily entering residential areas, and opening safe corridors for civilians underscores its commitment to protecting civilians and ensuring their safety.
According to the Ministry’s Media and Communications Directorate, these steps are intended to prevent armed groups affiliated with the SDF from exploiting civilians as leverage or using them as human shields.
The directorate stated that army units, working in coordination with specialized intelligence agencies, have identified armed groups operating inside Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood, including outlaws, remnants of the former regime, PKK-linked elements, and foreign nationals.
It explained that the army’s movement aims to support Internal Security Forces and law enforcement units in restoring security, re-establishing normal life, and enabling state institutions to resume their functions, thereby ensuring stability and full reintegration of the neighborhood into Aleppo.
