• Intense fighting between Syrian government forces and Kurdish-led SDF continues, resulting in numerous civilian casualties.
• The Syrian army has declared Kurdish-majority areas in Aleppo "closed military zones" amidst escalating violence.
• At least 12 fatalities reported in recent clashes, with thousands forced to flee their homes.
• Humanitarian corridors have been opened to facilitate civilian evacuations, with reports of over 45,000 displaced.
• International mediation, reportedly involving the US, is sought to de-escalate tensions.

Fierce fighting has resumed in Syria's northern city of Aleppo, with significant clashes between government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) resulting in increased civilian casualties. Reports indicate that at least 12 individuals have lost their lives amidst the conflict that escalated on Tuesday, prompting tens of thousands to flee the scene, particularly from the Kurdish-majority areas of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, according to Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye, and BBC.

The Syrian army has labelled the Kurdish-held neighbourhoods as "closed military zones" and initiated shelling, leading to more casualties and an intensification of the military conflict. The army claims these operations are necessary for maintaining security against what it describes as SDF-led "massacres" and attacks into government-controlled areas, which the SDF denies and contests, describing the government action as an effort to forcibly displace civilians. This standoff follows failed integration talks between the Syrian government and the SDF, indicating a deteriorating situation, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

The humanitarian situation in Aleppo is dire, with approximately 45,000 people reported to have displaced from their homes, many heading towards safer areas like Afrin. The Syrian army has set up humanitarian corridors to assist civilians fleeing the conflict, although the situation remains volatile, with external factors threatening to escalate tensions further. Additionally, the possibility of Turkish involvement looms large, given its historical opposition to Kurdish forces branded as terrorist groups, according to Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye, and South China Morning Post.

As fighting continues, efforts for international mediation are reportedly in play, with the United States involved in facilitating dialogue between the conflicting parties to reduce violence in the region. The success of these mediation efforts remains uncertain, as both factions accuse each other of obstructing peace initiatives aimed at ending the standoff, underscoring the complexities of the ongoing conflict, according to Reuters and BBC.