Damascus, January 08 (QNA) - Five Syrian civilians have been killed and dozens more wounded after shelling hit residential neighbourhoods in the northern city of Aleppo, Syrian state media has reported.

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) said the attack targeted populated areas of the city and blamed the shelling on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). It reported that at least 44 people were injured amid ongoing clashes between government forces and the SDF.

The violence has prompted international concern. The European Union called for restraint and the protection of civilians, expressing what it described as grave concern over the escalation in Aleppo.

" The EU calls on all parties to exercise restraint, protect civilians and pursue a peaceful and diplomatic solution," said Anouar El Anouni, a spokesperson for the EU, in a statement.

Meanwhile, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said more than 30,000 people have been displaced by the fighting in northern Syria. According to the agency, over 2,000 families have fled to the Afrin area, while about 1,100 people are currently sheltering in nine collective accommodation centers.

OCHA also warned of serious damage to health infrastructure in Aleppo. Several hospitals, including Zahi Azraq Hospital, Ibn Rashid Hospital and Othman Hospital, are reported to be out of service, while Al Salam Hospital has been partially affected, placing further strain on the city's already overstretched healthcare system.

On Wednesday, Syria's Ministry of Defense announced a deadline for civilians to leave the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh districts of Aleppo, designating two humanitarian corridors for safe passage. The ministry said SDF positions inside the neighbourhoods constituted military targets, following earlier attacks it said included rocket fire and drone strikes on Aleppo that killed around five civilians and wounded more than 30 others.

The situation in Aleppo remains volatile, with fears of further civilian casualties and displacement as fighting continues. (QNA)