Rebel forces in Syria have reportedly seized control of several neighborhoods in Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city, marking a significant offensive against the Syrian government. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), as of Friday evening, rebels have gained control over more than half of Aleppo. This development represents the first major advance by these opposition forces in Aleppo since they were ousted by President Bashar al-Assad’s military in 2016.
Videos shared by media channels associated with the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) depict rebel fighters maneuvering through Aleppo, with footage being geolocated to a western suburb of the city. While government forces assert that they have regained ground in various towns within Aleppo and Idlib provinces, the rebel offensive poses a notable challenge to the authority of the Syrian government and its ally, Russia.
The ongoing civil war in Syria, ignited by government crackdowns on pro-democracy protests in 2011, has resulted in over half a million deaths. Following the initial outbreak of violence, numerous armed groups seized control of large territories amid the chaos. Although the Syrian government, backed by Russia and other allies, has managed to reclaim most areas it previously lost, Idlib remains the last significant opposition bastion, predominantly governed by HTS, along with Turkish-backed factions and forces.
The rebel assault on Aleppo has led to heightened tensions, with videos verified by the BBC showing armed individuals operating close to the city center. Meanwhile, large groups of civilians are reportedly fleeing areas near Aleppo University. The government has stated that reinforcements have arrived to reclaim lost territory, resulting in the cancellation of all flights from Aleppo and closed airport operations. SOHR has reported at least 255 fatalities amidst the clashes, making this the deadliest period of fighting between rebels and pro-government forces in years.
This resurgence of fighting comes as HTS and its allies accuse the Syrian government of escalating military actions in the region. The conflict has been exacerbated by external factors, including increased Israeli military operations targeting Iranian-linked groups within Syria, along with a focus on issues in neighboring Lebanon.
Amidst the harsh realities of the ongoing conflict, there remains hope for future peace. The resilience of the Syrian people through years of turmoil emphasizes the importance of diplomatic efforts aimed at ending hostilities and paving the way for a stable and peaceful Syria. Coordination between international players, along with a renewed focus on dialogue, may present new opportunities for reconciliation.