The situation in Aleppo has escalated sharply, Maria Kaprielian, a former Armenian member of the Syrian parliament, told Pastinfo.

According to her, the city has not been calm since Monday. The latest negotiations between Kurdish forces and the Syrian authorities have essentially failed to produce any results, and the Kurdish side has resorted to military action. As per Kaprielian, at the moment, intense shooting continues in the city, as small arms and artillery are being used.

She emphasized that two Kurdish-populated regions are immediately adjacent to Armenian-populated neighborhoods, which is why military operations significantly affect the Armenian community also. According to her, the situation was relatively peaceful Tuesday morning, but around noon the situation changed dramatically, and currently Aleppo is almost deserted.

“After noon, the governor [of Aleppo] announced that schools and state institutions would remain closed, and it was ordered to stay as far away from the Kurdish district as possible. It is not forbidden to leave the house, however, it is recommended to be careful,” Maria Kaprielian added.