Curfew imposed in Azaz after clashes and major security mobilization

The city of Azaz, in the northern countryside of Aleppo, witnessed a security standoff and clashes between Internal Security Forces and armed groups late Saturday night and into the early hours of Sunday. These events culminated in the imposition of a curfew amidst a state of continued high alert.

Demonstrations also took place in Azaz to protest the deployment and movements of the Internal Security Forces; some participants chanted slogans labeling the security personnel as "Shabiha."

The Internal Security Forces stated that the clashes erupted after their personnel came under fire from gunmen while intervening to break up fighting between various armed factions within the city. This triggered an escalation in hostilities that intensified as dawn approached.

The Internal Security Forces announced a curfew in Azaz and deployed significant security reinforcements to the area in an effort to contain the situation and restore stability.

According to local sources, the city witnessed meetings during the early morning hours between Internal Security Forces commanders and several notables from Azaz to discuss ways to calm the situation and contain tensions.

A state of security tension persists in the city, with security forces remaining deployed across all neighborhoods. Local sources reported injuries among those involved in the clashes and the arrest of several individuals, though no official casualty figures have been released so far.

Sh-S

ANHA