Syrian Arab Republic: Flash Update No. 2 - Escalation of Violence in Aleppo (as of 08 January 2026) [EN/AR]

HIGHLIGHTS

• The escalation of violence in Aleppo caused the death of nine civilians and the injury of 55 others, according to the Ministry of Health.
• Heavy shelling has been reported across Aleppo City impacting several neighborhoods including Al-Nil Street, New Shahbaa, Khaldiyeh, and Sheikh Taha.
• The majority of displaced households are moving toward Afrin District, where initial estimates indicate that around 100,000 people have already arrived, with numbers expected to increase amid ongoing population movements.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

After two days of the escalation of hostilities in Aleppo City since 6 January, the number of casualties increased since OCHA’s first update to nine deaths and 55 injuries according to the Ministry of Health, including women and children, with higher casualty figures according to media reports recorded in Ash-Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods.

Significant damage has been recorded to public and private property across these neighborhoods and adjacent areas, with impacts extending to surrounding government-controlled districts. Four hospitals—including Zahi Azarak, Ibn Rished, Othman, and Al Salam—have reportedly been affected, with several suspending operations due to damage.

As of 8 January, the displacement of families fleeing Ashrafiyeh and Ash-Sheikh Maqsoud remains ongoing, with most movements directed toward host communities within Aleppo City and Afrin District. Approximately 30,000 families have reportedly been displaced; more than 20,000 families have been relocated to Afrin, while 1,100 people are currently sheltering across nine collective centres.

Local authorities have designated several worship facilities in Aleppo as temporary shelters for displaced populations. In Afrin, host communities are receiving the first wave of displacement; however, a significant number of IDPs have reported needs related to temporary accommodation, NFIs, and winterization support.

Today authorities issued evacuation advisories for parts of Ash-Sheikh Maqsoud and a curew was extended since 13:30.

In addition, displacement movements toward north-east Syria have been reported. The displacement office in Tabqa town in Al-Hasakeh Governorate confirmed the arrival of 10 families from Aleppo, who have been temporarily accommodated at the Tabaqa IDP site.

Public services, including schools and universities, remain suspended, while the General Authority of Civil Aviation again extended the suspension of flights to and from Aleppo International Airport with services rerouted to Damascus.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing implications for civilian safety, humanitarian access, and the continuity of essential services. OCHA remains in close coordination with the Governor’s Office and relevant partners to monitor developments and support response planning.