Syrian Rebels Execute Surprise Offensive, Regain Ground in Aleppo
Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched a surprise offensive in Aleppo, recapturing significant areas after being ousted nearly a decade ago. This advance capitalizes on reduced Iranian support following local losses to Israel. The uprising has triggered international concerns, especially with reported civilian casualties amidst escalating violence. Turkey has voiced its apprehensions regarding stability while Syrian state media contests rebel gains, indicating ongoing military clashes.
The Syrian conflict has witnessed renewed intensity with the recent advance of rebel forces in Aleppo, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. After nearly a decade of being ousted from the city, rebel fighters executed a surprise assault targeting Assad-controlled areas, reportedly fueled by a decrease in Iran-backed fighters due to substantial losses suffered by their regional allies in confrontations with Israel. The offensive commenced on Wednesday, and by Friday, the rebels had gained considerable ground in the city’s neighborhoods.
Historically, Aleppo was recaptured by Assad’s forces in late 2016, following an extensive siege and bombardment which marked a turning point for opposition groups. Recent claims suggest that Turkish intelligence may have provided tacit approval for the assault; however, Turkey’s foreign ministry expressed concerns regarding the stability of the region and condemned actions that jeopardize de-escalation agreements previously established with Russia. With the civil war claiming an estimated 600,000 lives since 2011, the humanitarian consequences of the conflict are severe, as evidenced by civilian casualties reported amid the ongoing fighting.
State media from Syria has contested the rebels’ claims to have penetrated the city center, asserting that Russian military support is assisting government forces in their counteroffensive. Despite these assertions, sources indicating the Syrian military’s efforts suggest that intense airstrikes have been employed to repel the insurgent advance. The United Nations has raised alarms about the situation, reporting the deaths of innocent civilians amid the clash, including children as young as eight years old.
The Syrian civil war, which began in March 2011, has resulted in one of the deadliest humanitarian crises of the 21st century. Aleppo has been a significant battleground, previously experiencing extensive battles that have led to substantial casualties and displacements. The city was fully under Assad’s control as of late 2016, but recent shifts in the conflict landscape, influenced by external factors such as Iranian and Russian support for the government and a waning of rebel capabilities, have welcomed the latest rebel incursions. The precarious balance of power among the various factions involved, alongside foreign involvement, has rendered the situation highly volatile, further complicating prospects for peace.
The recent advance of Syrian rebel forces into Aleppo marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict, highlighting vulnerabilities within the Assad regime’s support network as Iran’s backing diminishes. As these hostilities escalate, the humanitarian toll becomes ever more dire, with increasing civilian casualties reported. International concerns regarding stability and breaches of sovereignty underscore the complexities of the Syrian crisis, necessitating careful monitoring of developments in this strategically vital region.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
