Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have launched a surprise attack to regain control of Aleppo, advancing swiftly through government-held territories. This assault comes after a perceived reduction in Iran-backed forces due to losses in the ongoing conflict with Israel. The situation has sparked concerns over civilian casualties amidst air support from Russian and Syrian forces, with estimations of over 600,000 fatalities in the civil war.
On Friday, Syrian rebels led by the militant faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham announced their advance into the heart of Aleppo, reclaiming areas from government control nearly a decade after their initial expulsion following a fierce siege. Rebel forces launched an unexpected offensive on Wednesday, targeting multiple towns across Aleppo province, significantly aided by perceived reductions in Iran-backed troop numbers, a consequence of losses incurred by Iran and Hezbollah from Israeli attacks in the region.
The rapid gains of the rebels elicited a mixed response, with Turkey reportedly providing tacit approval for the offensive, despite concerns from the Turkish foreign ministry regarding regional stability. This latest assault marks the most significant escalation since March 2020 when a ceasefire agreement was reached between Russia and Turkey meant to de-escalate hostilities in the area. As violence surged, over 600,000 individuals have perished in the ongoing Syrian civil war, igniting widespread humanitarian concerns and military responses from both Syrian and Russian forces.
The conflict in Syria, which began in March 2011, has witnessed numerous shifting power dynamics between the Assad regime, supported by Russia and Iran, and various rebel groups seeking to depose him. Aleppo, once a major commercial hub, has been a significant battleground with its control seeing shifts back and forth over the years. After enduring intense bombardment and a significant siege, the Assad regime regained full control of the city in late 2016. The recent rebel resurgence can be attributed to perceived weaknesses within Assad’s coalition, particularly in light of external pressures from ongoing regional conflicts and military engagements.
The recent rebel offensive in Aleppo signifies a notable shift in the ongoing Syrian conflict, showcasing the vulnerabilities of the Assad regime amidst evolving alliances and external pressures. The humanitarian toll of the conflict remains severe, with increased civilian casualties reported in the latest fighting. As international diplomatic efforts continue, the conflict’s complexity further deepens, indicating that stability in the region remains elusive.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
