Thousands of civilians fled Aleppo on Wednesday as the Syrian army shelled Kurdish neighbourhoods that it declared “legitimate military targets”.

Fighting in the city of Aleppo resumed as talks to integrate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into the national military appear to have stalled.

As clashes continue, observers warn that failure to contain the tension could lead to a wider escalation in northern Syria, with accompanying security and humanitarian repercussions. A potential wave of displacement could include new areas beyond Aleppo, at a time when the city is still suffering from the effects of the long war.

ALEPPO, Syria (AFP) — Syria’s army began shelling Kurdish-majority neighborhoods in the northern city Aleppo on Wednesday after its deadline for civilians to leave expired, an AFP correspondent said, on the second day of clashes between the two sides.

Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed Al-Saleh, emphasized that every Syrian citizen is a responsibility of the