The capture of Aleppo by Islamist rebels has reignited the Syrian civil war, prompting airstrikes from the Syrian military supported by Russia. This shift marks a significant escalation in the conflict which has already resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of displaced persons. The situation is compounded by regional power dynamics that hinder peace efforts, as various foreign actors are involved in the conflict.
Recent events have dramatically escalated the Syrian civil war, particularly with the recent seizure of Aleppo by Islamist rebels. The Syrian military, backed by Russian airpower, has initiated airstrikes against these gains made by the rebels. This resurgence of hostilities marks a pivotal shift, reigniting the conflict that has had dire consequences for the region and brought concerns of wider geopolitical implications, notably involving Russia and Turkey.
The insurgent offensive began on November 26, advancing into Aleppo by November 29-30. This significant territorial change is the first since 2016 when government forces reclaimed it with Russian and Iranian assistance. The rebels have since expanded their control to surrounding regions, raising alarms regarding the government’s response and the stability of the area.
The prominent rebel group behind the offensive is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as the Nusra Front, which has become a significant player in the Idlib region. Despite being labeled a terrorist organization by several states, including the United States and Russia, HTS maintains its influence. Additionally, a coalition of rebels, supported by Turkey, is also operating independently in the area.
The recent flare-up in conflict can be attributed to strategic distractions faced by Syria’s key backers—namely, Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah—who are engaged in other regional confrontations. Turkey’s discontent with the Syrian government’s inability to forge peace with the opposition has also played a role, as has Turkey’s ongoing concern about Kurdish influence in the region. The balance of power remains complex and precarious.
While the United Nations has attempted to facilitate peace processes since 2015 through a security council resolution calling for a new constitution and elections, there has been little progress. U.N. envoy Geir Pedersen indicated that the current escalation demonstrates a collective failure to initiate meaningful negotiations. Overall, there remains an urgent need for renewed political discussions to resolve the ongoing conflict effectively.
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 from protests against President Bashar al-Assad, has evolved into a multi-faceted conflict involving various factions and external powers. Initially sparked by the Arab Spring, the violence escalated as numerous groups emerged, each backed by different foreign nations. The stability of cities like Aleppo has been a focal point due to its strategic significance within the country. The recent territorial shifts reflect the ongoing volatility and the potential for further clashes as international interests converge in the region.
The seizure of Aleppo by rebel forces signifies a major turning point in the Syrian civil war, reigniting tensions and prompting military responses from the Assad regime and its allies. Ongoing power struggles and a lack of effective diplomatic engagement continue to hinder a peaceful resolution. Amidst this chaos, the international community remains divided, further complicating the path to stability and peace in Syria.
Original Source: www.france24.com
