Iran-backed militias have entered Syria to assist President Assad amid renewed conflict, with Syrian and Russian airstrikes resulting in at least 25 casualties in northwest regions. Rebel forces have made unexpected gains, particularly in Aleppo, indicating a significant shift in the civil war that had previously seen stagnation in frontline engagements. Analysts attribute these developments to vulnerabilities stemming from Russia’s focus on Ukraine, emphasizing the precarious situation facing the Syrian government and its allies.
Militias backed by Iran have recently crossed into Syria to assist President Bashar al-Assad’s forces in their ongoing battle against rebel factions. Reports indicate that at least 25 individuals have perished due to airstrikes conducted by Syrian and Russian military forces targeting rebel-controlled regions in northwestern Syria. This resurgence of conflict marks a significant point in the civil war, which had seen reduced visibility in recent years, with the latest developments particularly focused on the sudden rebel gains in Aleppo, historically a stronghold for Assad. The rebel offensive, primarily driven by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has reportedly seized a major portion of Aleppo, claiming they have also advanced into Hama. The White Helmets, an opposition rescue service, affirmed the rising casualties from intensified aerial bombardments, noting that strikes have occurred in populated civilian areas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Iranian support for Assad mirrors that of Russia, which has been instrumental in stabilizing Assad’s regime since the conflict erupted over a decade ago. Military analysts suggest that Russia’s engagement in Ukraine has resulted in a vulnerability in the air cover previously extended to Assad’s forces, culminating in the recent rebel advances. The situation remains grave as the Syrian government attempts to restore order amidst increased violence and national instability. Military operations are reportedly targeting insurgent positions, echoing a longstanding narrative of civilian casualties that have plagued the war since its inception in 2011.
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 as a response to anti-regime protests, has spiraled into a complex conflict involving multiple nations and factions. President Bashar al-Assad’s regime has relied heavily on support from Iran and Russia, enabling it to maintain control over key areas despite the continuous rise of various rebel groups. Recent developments signal an intensification of military engagements following years of relative dormancy in frontline conflicts. With many civilians displaced and a humanitarian crisis ongoing, the renewed attention on Syrian operations highlights the potential for further escalation and deepening turmoil within the region.
The entry of Iranian-backed militias into Syria amidst concerted airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces signifies a pivotal moment in the long-standing conflict. As rebel forces stage an unexpected counter-offensive, the resultant casualties and destruction underscore the complexities of a war that continues to afflict countless civilians. With the geopolitical landscape continually shifting due to various external influences, the future of Syria remains uncertain, highlighting the fragile nature of peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: news.sky.com
