Aleppo: The Syrian Defense Ministry has announced that military operations in Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood are proceeding with caution due to the YPG/SDF terror organization employing civilians as "human shields," as reported by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry's statement revealed that YPG/SDF is using this tactic to counter military operations in the Maqsoud district. Consequently, the army is conducting its missions "slowly and with extreme caution" to avoid harm to residents. During search operations, Syrian forces reportedly seized heavy weapons from the terror group.

Meanwhile, an Anadolu correspondent in the field observed ongoing clashes between army forces and terror elements. Syrian forces have reportedly taken control of several points previously held by the terror organization in the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood.

The Syrian Army initiated the military operation late Friday after the YPG/SDF failed to meet the deadlines set for withdrawal from the area.