Syrian rebels opposed to President Bashar al-Assad have reached the heart of the city of Aleppo after a surprise sweep through government-held towns. Led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the opposition fighters swiftly advanced, taking advantage of insufficient Iran-backed manpower in the province. The Turkish government reportedly gave a green light to the offensive, although they later expressed concern about the potential for greater instability in the region. The attack, the biggest since March 2020, has led to the deaths of at least 27 civilians, prompting U.N. officials to express deep alarm.
Russian and Syrian forces have responded to the offensive, with Russian air support assisting the Syrian military in confronting the rebels in the countryside of Aleppo and Idlib. The Kremlin has called the rebel attack a violation of Syrian sovereignty and has urged Syrian authorities to regain control quickly. Reports of Assad flying to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin have not been confirmed.
The situation in northwest Syria remains critical, with ongoing fighting causing civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. The conflict in Syria, which began in 2011, has resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths. The recent rebel offensive in Aleppo marks a significant escalation in the conflict, posing challenges for both Syrian and Russian forces as they seek to restore order and protect civilians.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com
