Syrian Rebels Make Gains in Aleppo Amidst Escalating Conflict
Syrian rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham have made significant advances in Aleppo, reclaiming territory after nearly a decade under government control. This surprising move comes amid reduced Iranian manpower and has resulted in civilian casualties. The Syrian military has launched counter-offensives with Russian air support, while concerns about regional stability continue to rise.
In a striking turn of events, Syrian rebels, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have made significant advances into Aleppo, a city long under government control. The unexpected offensive, which commenced on Wednesday, has reportedly allowed them to breach multiple villages and neighborhoods within the city. This resurgence follows almost a decade after their expulsion from Aleppo, marking a notable shift in the ongoing conflict. A rebel commander attributed their rapid progress to a decrease in Iranian-backed forces, compounded by Hezbollah’s recent losses to Israel. Meanwhile, there are implications that Turkey may have tacitly approved the operation, despite their official stance against escalating regional instability.
The Syrian military has countered these claims, asserting that they continue to repel the rebel assaults with support from Russian airstrikes. Civilian casualties have already emerged, with reports of at least 27 individuals, including children, killed amidst the fighting. U.N. humanitarian officials have expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation, emphasizing the necessity of protecting civilians under International Humanitarian Law. Furthermore, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the rebel maneuvers as violations of Syrian sovereignty, urging a swift government response to restore order.
This offensive is significant as it comes after years of relative calm established by de-escalation agreements brokered by Russia and Turkey. Recent developments suggest a broader crisis is unfolding in northwest Syria, indicating the protracted nature of this conflict and the complex interplay between various regional actors involved. The situation remains dire, and the humanitarian consequences are starting to accumulate, raising urgent calls for international intervention and support.
The Syrian civil war, which began in March 2011, has resulted in a complex humanitarian crisis, with estimates suggesting around 600,000 fatalities. Aleppo, once Syria’s commercial hub, was the site of intense fighting and strategic importance during the conflict. The city was under government control by late 2016 after years of bombardment that forced rebels to withdraw. Recent losses of Iranian-backed factions in other theatres, notably against Israel, have opened a strategic opportunity for rebel forces to regain a foothold in Aleppo. The geopolitical dynamics involving Turkey, Russia, and Iran continue to shape the conflict’s trajectory, with ramifications for regional stability.
The recent assault by Syrian rebels in Aleppo underscores the ongoing volatility of the Syrian civil war, demonstrating a potential shift in military dynamics and territorial control. As the situation evolves, the humanitarian toll is rising, raising alarms among international observers. The response from Syrian and Russian forces will be critical in determining the outcome of this offensive and the future of the conflict. Furthermore, the implications of Turkish involvement may play a pivotal role in the region’s stability moving forward.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
