• Kurdish fighters in Aleppo refuse to withdraw under ceasefire, declaring it a call to surrender.
• Syrian army renews strikes in Kurdish-controlled neighborhoods, leading to civilian casualties.
• Over 140,000 residents have fled as violence escalates, with at least 21 civilians reported killed.

Fighting in Aleppo has escalated as Kurdish forces reject a government ceasefire that demands their withdrawal from the city, calling it a "call to surrender" and pledging to defend their neighborhoods. This refusal follows a recent escalation in violence that has resulted in significant civilian casualties and mass displacement, with reports indicating that over 140,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, according to Reuters and Middle East Eye.

The Syrian government declared a ceasefire on January 9, but Kurdish councils quickly condemned it and have determined to maintain control over the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah districts. Reports indicate that the ongoing clashes reflect deep-seated tensions between the Kurdish forces, supported by the United States, and the Syrian government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The Syrian army has since renewed strikes in these neighborhoods after the Kurdish response to the ceasefire, resulting in at least 21 fatalities among civilians and significant casualties among fighters, according to Al Jazeera and Le Monde.

The ceasefire was initially intended to allow Kurdish fighters to withdraw with light weapons to avoid further civilian casualties and violence. However, no evacuations occurred as Kurdish leaders stated their commitment to defend the area against ongoing Syrian army aggression. The civilian population has faced alarming conditions amidst the violence, with hospitals overwhelmed and many areas becoming uninhabitable due to conflict escalation, as reported by Reuters and Middle East Eye.

As the situation develops, Turkish officials have expressed support for Syrian military actions against the Kurdish forces, viewing them as a threat linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). This aligns with statements made by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, indicating Turkey's vested interest in the outcome of these hostilities, according to Al Jazeera and Le Monde.