Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have launched a surprising assault in Aleppo, advancing into the city center after years of being expelled. The operation is attributed to weakened Iranian support and recent military losses faced by Hezbollah. The offensive has raised alarms over civilian casualties, with the United Nations urging protection for non-combatants amidst escalating hostilities. Meanwhile, Russia condemns the attack as a violation of sovereignty, showcasing the tense political landscape in the region.
Rebel forces have reportedly advanced into Aleppo’s city center, marking a significant development in the ongoing Syrian conflict. The offensive, led by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, was facilitated by perceived deficiencies in Iranian military support amidst ongoing clashes involving Hezbollah and Israel. This resurgence of rebel activity, taking hold of government-held regions, reflects a pivotal moment nearly a decade after insurgents were expelled from Aleppo during previous conflicts.
Since the incursion commenced on Wednesday, opposition units have rapidly seized control over multiple localities in the northern Aleppo province, previously held by President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and supported by Iran and Russia. Reports indicate that by late Friday, they were conducting operations across various Aleppo neighborhoods, raising concerns from both Syrian state authorities and external observers.
According to Mustafa Abdul Jaber, a commander in the Jaish al-Izza rebel brigade, the swift progress of the offensive can be attributed to a considerable decrease in Iranian-backed forces in the province, which is compounded by the military setbacks of Iranian allies due to confrontations with Israel. Turkish intelligence sources suggest that Turkey may have tacitly approved this operation, although a spokesperson emphasized Turkey’s aim to maintain stability and adherence to de-escalation protocols already established in the region.
This surprise strike marks the most notable military action since a 2020 ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey aimed at reducing hostilities. The ongoing violence has resulted in a tragic toll on civilians; reports indicate at least 27 civilian fatalities, comprising vulnerable populations, including children. The United Nations has called for adherence to International Humanitarian Law to protect non-combatants amidst the escalating conflict.
In response to these developments, the Syrian military has claimed significant engagement against the insurgents in the Aleppo countryside, accusing them of heavy losses. On a diplomatic level, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterized the incursion as a violation of Syrian sovereignty, urging immediate action from Syrian authorities to restore order. Additionally, there are unverified reports regarding President Assad’s potential travel to Moscow for discussions with President Putin concerning the conflict.
The Syrian civil war has continued since March 2011, resulting in significant humanitarian crises and geopolitical ramifications. In 2016, Aleppo was fully secured by regime forces after a prolonged siege and intense combat that saw the insurgent factions compelled to retreat. The tactical landscape has shifted in recent times, with Iranian forces and Hezbollah facing setbacks due to increasing Israeli military operations against them. This context sets the stage for the recent rebel advancements in Aleppo as a reaction to the changing dynamics on the ground and the diminishing presence of Iranian support.
The recent military maneuvers by Syrian rebels in Aleppo underscore a crucial shift in the long-standing conflict, revealing vulnerabilities in the Assad regime’s defenses amidst declining Iranian support. As civilian casualties mount and international concern rises, the situation calls for urgent attention to protect vulnerable populations and restore stability in the region. The event reiterates the volatile balance of power within Syria and the influence of external actors in the ongoing crisis.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
