Syrian Rebels Achieve Surprise Victory in Aleppo Against Assad’s Forces

Syrian rebels reported seizing areas in Aleppo from government forces in a surprise assault, attributed to weakened Iranian support. This marks the most significant military activity since 2020. Civilian casualties have been reported, and the international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence.

Syrian opposition forces reported a significant advance in the northern city of Aleppo on Friday, marking a surprise resurgence against President Bashar al-Assad’s government, which has held the city since late 2016. Leading the offensive, the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has reportedly capitalized on diminished manpower among Iranian-backed forces, which have been adversely affected by recent military setbacks. Beginning Wednesday, the rebels initiated an assault on multiple government-held towns and villages, yielding rapid territorial gains within the city.

As the situation unfolded, a rebel commander noted that the absence of sufficient support from Iranian allies, amidst ongoing conflicts involving Israel, contributed to the operation’s success. Opposition figures have suggested that Turkey may have tacitly supported the rebellion, although Turkey has cautioned against escalating instability in the region. This offensive constitutes the most significant military action in the area since a ceasefire agreement established by Russia and Turkey in March 2020.

However, the Syrian state media refuted claims of rebel advancements, asserting that Russian air support was being provided to the Syrian military, which vowed to confront this latest offensive. Meanwhile, the United Nations has expressed grave concerns regarding the humanitarian impact of the conflict, reporting civilian casualties due to shelling in Aleppo. In light of the rising violence, Kremlin officials have condemned the rebel actions as a violation of Syrian sovereignty, urging the Syrian authorities to restore order swiftly.

The Syrian civil war, which ignited in March 2011, has evolved into a multifaceted conflict involving various factions and significant foreign intervention. After a prolonged siege, government forces, backed by Iranian and Russian military support, recaptured Aleppo in late 2016, leading to a pivotal shift in the conflict dynamics. The city has remained largely under the control of Assad’s regime since then, with sporadic rebel attempts to regain territory. The current rebel resurgence highlights ongoing tensions and the complexities involving Turkish, Iranian, and Russian interests in the region, amidst a backdrop of severe humanitarian crises affecting civilians caught in the crossfire.

In conclusion, the recent developments in Aleppo emphasize a dramatic turn in the Syrian conflict, with opposition forces successfully reclaiming territory in a surprising offensive. This resurgence, linked to reduced Iranian support and strategic regional dynamics, reflects the fluid nature of the civil war and the persistent humanitarian crisis. As international actors continue to navigate the complexities of the conflict, the situation remains precarious and warrants close attention from the global community.

Original Source: www.usatoday.com