Rebel forces in Syria have reportedly gained control over several neighborhoods in Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), rebels now control more than half of Aleppo. This marks a significant offensive against the Syrian government, marking the first time since 2016 that rebel forces have made significant inroads into the city.
Video footage posted by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) depicts rebel fighters in vehicles within the city limits, corroborated by BBC Verify, which pinpointed the location to a western suburb of Aleppo. Government forces have claimed to regain some areas in both Aleppo and Idlib provinces after HTS and allied factions launched their offensive earlier this week.
The ongoing Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 following government crackdowns on pro-democracy protests, has resulted in over half a million fatalities. Various armed groups have exploited the chaos to seize vast territories. Although the Syrian government, aided by Russia and other allies, has reclaimed most of the lost ground, Idlib remains largely under opposition control, specifically by HTS, along with Turkish-backed factions.
The current offensive poses a significant challenge to the Assad administration and its Russian backers. Reports from Friday noted that rebel statements confirmed their entry into Aleppo, with verified videos indicating armed groups operating roughly seven kilometers from the city’s historic citadel. Evacuation movements have been observed, with large groups of people carrying their belongings away from areas near Aleppo University.
As government reinforcements arrive, there are reports of a closed airport and canceled flights due to the escalating conflict. SOHR reported that over 255 individuals have died in the recent clashes, which are among the deadliest confrontations between rebels and pro-government forces in years. The fighting’s resurgence coincides with distractions for the Syrian government, as it faces escalating conflicts with Iranian-backed groups and air strikes from Israel.
This situation unfolds during a period where fragile ceasefires previously established in regions like Idlib had allowed for reduced hostilities. However, the renewed fighting reflects the volatile nature of the conflict and the various factions’ ongoing battle for power amidst a changing landscape in the region.
Despite the grim circumstances, the ongoing struggles in Aleppo could potentially galvanize a more unified opposition among differing factions, which may eventually lead to a more stable resolution in the long term. Optimistically, this might be viewed as an opportunity for various groups and the international community to come together toward achieving lasting peace in Syria.