Rebel Gains Reignite the Syrian Civil War: A Renewed Conflict and Its Implications
Syrian military, backed by Russia, initiated air strikes on Islamist rebels who captured Aleppo. This attack marks a significant resurgence of conflict in the Syrian civil war, which has been dormant for years. The rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have gained terrain, prompting both government and international responses. Deteriorating regional dynamics further complicate the pursuit of peace in Syria.
The Syrian military, supported by Russia, commenced air strikes on areas recently overtaken by Islamist rebels. This maneuver stems from a surprise offensive executed by the rebels starting November 26. Their successful capture of Aleppo, a pivotal city, has reignited the Syrian civil war, presenting further risks of escalation in the region involving international powers such as Russia and Turkey.
Rebel forces, notably Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led a coordinated attack, reclaiming Aleppo for the first time since government forces gained control in 2016. This shift in control marks a significant turn in the protracted conflict that has resulted in extensive casualties and widespread displacement since its beginning in 2011. The rebels have since expanded their territorial gains in Hama province, intensifying confrontations.
The government, determined to recover lost territory, has pledged to retaliate against these insurgent advances. Russia remains actively engaged, providing aerial support to the Syrian army while escalating military operations aimed at curbing rebel momentum.
The situation is exacerbated by long-standing tensions over regional power dynamics, particularly involving Israel’s conflicts against Iranian-backed factions like Hezbollah, which have recently been embroiled in warfare in Lebanon. U.S. National Security advisor Jake Sullivan indicated that despite the Syrian government’s backing from Russia and Iran, the rebels are discerning an opportunity amidst their distractions.
A previously established agreement between Russia and Turkey had maintained relative calm; however, as tensions rise, Turkey has voiced discontent over the Assad regime’s inability to pursue negotiations with the opposition. Ankara remains vigilant regarding Kurdish forces allied to the U.S., which Turkey designates as terrorists.
The international community, evidenced by U.N. efforts in 2015, has sought to mediate a resolution through initiatives aimed at establishing a new constitution and conducting elections. Nonetheless, these initiatives have seen little progress. U.N. Syria envoy Geir Pedersen emphasized the urgency for substantial negotiations to resolve the renewed conflict.
The Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011, arose from a wave of protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime amid the Arab Spring. Since then, various factions have emerged, with foreign powers exerting influence over different territories. The resurgence of rebel activity in Aleppo highlights shifting power dynamics influenced by broader regional conflicts. It is essential to view the battle for Aleppo within this complex geopolitical context, which has also seen involvement from countries like Turkey and the United States.
The recent advancements of Islamist rebels in Aleppo have escalated hostilities in the Syrian civil war, introducing new risks for regional stability. Both Russia and Turkey are now at a strategic crossroads, navigating the realities of their respective involvements in Syria. The absence of effective negotiations and continued foreign influence complicate efforts toward peace, reflecting the broader, unresolved tensions in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.france24.com
