Syrian Arab Republic: Flash Update No. 4 - Clashes in Aleppo (as of 12 January 2026) [EN/AR]

HIGHLIGHTS

• On 11 January, a ceasefire agreement was announced, following which initial, limited return movements were observed, particularly to the Ashrafiyeh neighbourhood. Returns to Ash-Sheikh Maqsoud remain gradual, pending authorization and completion of UXO clearance.
• Fourteen collective shelters are designated for IDPs (nine in Aleppo City, three in Sharan, two in Afrin), with persistent gaps in NFIs and winterization support, particularly in Afrin, where the majority of displaced households remain.
• The Babiri water station resumed operations on 11 January, restoring water supply to Aleppo City and surrounding areas; other public services remain partially suspended, including schools and air traffic.
• Humanitarian partners remain on standby to adjust and scale response, as displacement tracking and inter-sectoral assessments continue amid a fluid security environment.

SITUATION OVERVIEW AND HUMANITARIAN IMPACT

Since 6 January, clashes in Aleppo Governorate between Government General Security Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) resulted in 23 deaths according to the Directorate of Health (DoH). According to the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), approximately 119,000 people remain displaced and roughly 29,000 have returned to their homes.

As of 11 January, significant reduction in hostilities was observed following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement. In line with the agreement, members of SDF reportedly withdrew from the city. As of 12 January, the security situation has stabilized, however sporadic drone activity continues to be reported in and around Aleppo City.

Approximately 1,181 people are still accommodated in temporary shelters within Aleppo City, down from the 2,500 people previously reported. In contrast, IDPs from Ash-Sheikh Maqsoud remain displaced, mainly in Afrin District, awaiting official clearance of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and authorization from relevant authorities before returns can take place.

On 12 January, the Afrin Area Administration of the Government of Syria issued a circular announcing the launch of a return convoy to Ashrafiyeh neighbourhood. According to the circular, the convoy was accompanied by teams from the Afrin Area Administration, Aleppo Governorate, civil society organizations, and other relevant authorities, to facilitate and oversee return movements.

The Directorate of Social Affairs and Labor (DoSAL) has designated 14 collective shelters for IDP accommodation, comprising nine in Aleppo City, three in Sharan, and two in Afrin. While humanitarian services in Aleppo City are generally accessible, shelters in Afrin continue to face notable gaps in non-food items (NFIs) and winterization assistance, reflecting the concentration of remaining displacement in the district.

A coordination meeting with humanitarian organizations was convened by the Governorate, during which the Governor’s deputies reiterated their commitment to voluntary returns, respect for international humanitarian law, and prioritization of service restoration in affected neighbourhoods. They also emphasized that cash assistance should be targeted to returnees, citing concerns over potential pull factors prolonging displacement in collective shelters.

Beyond Aleppo Governorate, displacement movements have been reported into Ar-Raqqa Governorate. As of 11 January, reportedly 600 people from Aleppo were accommodated at a newly established IDP site near Tabqa Stadium. An inter-sector assessment mission led by OCHA is planned for 13 January to verify displacement figures, assess vulnerabilities and immediate multi-sectoral needs.

In addition, small-scale displacement has been reported toward northern Lattakia countryside, with an estimated 15 to 20 families primarily hosted by relatives. SARC conducted a field assessment on 12 January: 13 displaced families are still being hosted by relatives in northern Lattakia countryside and intend to return as soon as the situation is stable, while the rest of the families have returned to Aleppo. The most urgent needs identified are the provision of medicine and food assistance.

Reports of additional displacement continue. All humanitarian sectors and partners have been alerted and are on standby to scale up the response based on the findings of the forthcoming assessment. Pre-positioned supplies are also under review.

Public services are gradually resuming in Ashrafiyeh neighbourhood. On 11 January, the Babiri water station in eastern Aleppo countryside resumed operations, following the ceasefire announcement, restoring water supply to approximately three million people living in Aleppo City and surrounding rural areas. The Ministry of Education has announced that schools will remain closed for an additional 15 days. Civil aviation authorities continue to suspend all flights to and from Aleppo International Airport until further notice.