Syrian rebels, led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have taken control of most of Aleppo, marking the most significant challenge to the Assad regime in years. The swift offensive has seen rebels capture government buildings, prisons, and key areas of the city, once Syria's industrial hub, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
A Rapid Offensive
Since Wednesday, HTS and allied Turkish-backed factions have launched a lightning assault against Iranian- and Russian-supported government forces. The offensive coincided with a fragile ceasefire in neighboring Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, a key ally of the Syrian government.
The Observatory reported that government forces and key officials, including Aleppo’s governor, police, and security commanders, have withdrawn from central parts of the city. Despite the Syrian army's claim of regaining some positions, the rebels’ swift advances, including the seizure of the strategic town of Saraqib southwest of Aleppo, demonstrate significant gains.
Death Toll and Airstrikes
The clashes have led to over 300 deaths, including 183 from HTS and allied factions, 100 government soldiers, and 28 civilians. Russian warplanes launched airstrikes on Aleppo for the first time since 2016, targeting rebel-held areas as military reinforcements from both sides converged on the region.
State media reported that HTS shelled a student residence, killing four civilians, adding to the toll of civilian suffering.
Rebel Celebrations and Strategic Gains
An AFP correspondent observed jubilant rebels celebrating their capture of key areas, including Aleppo’s historic citadel. The Observatory highlighted the absence of significant resistance, with regime forces withdrawing from the city center without a fight.
The rebels’ gains have extended beyond Aleppo, with advances in the northwestern region, particularly the Idlib area, which has been under a fragile ceasefire since 2020 brokered by Turkey and Russia. Despite the agreement, violations have escalated, contributing to the current violence.
Russian and Turkish Reactions
Russia has intensified its aerial campaign, describing the targets as "extremist forces." Meanwhile, Turkey, which supports some opposition factions, has called for a halt to Russian bombardments in the Idlib region.
Implications for Assad’s Regime
The rapid gains by HTS and allied factions indicate vulnerabilities in Assad’s forces, despite years of support from Iran and Russia. Analysts suggest that this offensive underscores growing rebel strength and the Assad regime’s declining ability to respond effectively.
With control of Aleppo—Syria’s second-largest city and a symbol of government power—hanging in the balance, the situation raises critical questions about the future of the Assad regime and the broader conflict in Syria. As international powers react, the coming days will likely determine whether this marks a turning point in the Syrian civil war.
