Live from Aleppo in northern Syria on Wednesday, January 7, as thousands evacuate the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighbourhoods following the government’s declaration of the areas as a 'closed military zone'.

The areas, controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have seen a second day of clashes with forces loyal to Syria’s interim government, prompting residents to move towards government-held areas.

Local media reported that the two districts would be designated a 'closed military zone' after 3:00 pm local time (12:00 GMT), urging civilians to evacuate.

Both sides have blamed each other for deaths and injuries over the past days.