The ongoing conflict in Syria has reached a pivotal moment as Syrian troops have begun their withdrawal from the city of Aleppo, a move precipitating significant advancements by rebel forces opposed to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The situation has quickly escalated, marking what many analysts are calling one of the most serious offensives against the Syrian government in recent years. This withdrawal from Aleppo, which is Syria’s second-largest city, signals a notable shift in the dynamics of the civil war that has plagued the nation since 2011.
In the days leading up to this withdrawal, Russian air forces launched strikes on specific areas in Aleppo. These strikes represent Russia’s first military action in the region since 2016, highlighting its ongoing support for the Assad government’s hold on power. Since the commencement of the latest offensive, reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) suggest that over 300 individuals have died, among them approximately 20 civilians. These attacks underscore the dire circumstances many civilians face amid the continued and evolving hostilities.
Despite a period of relative dormancy since a ceasefire was established in 2020, the conflict has reignited, particularly in the northwestern province surrounding Idlib, which remains under rebel control. Situated just 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Aleppo, Idlib has continued to serve as a hub for opposition forces. The current offensive initiated on Wednesday has prominently featured the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is noted for being one of the most effective factions in combating Assad’s regime, alongside various allied factions supported by Turkey.
HTS, having already secured a dominant position in Idlib, has moved aggressively, taking control of Aleppo’s airport and numerous townships in the vicinity. In response to the advancing rebel forces, a curfew was instituted, effective from 5:00 PM local time, to last through the weekend, demonstrating the urgency of the situation as the local authorities attempt to impose order amid the chaos.
The Syrian army has reported that the rebels initiated a “broad attack from multiple axes on the Aleppo and Idlib fronts,” leading to combat along a stretch exceeding 100 kilometers (60 miles). Casualty reports from the Syrian military indicate that numerous soldiers have fallen, and they have acknowledged the loss of significant territory as rebels have gained ground in Aleppo. Notably, authorities claim that they have temporarily withdrawn from the city but have also indicated preparations for a counter-offensive to reclaim lost territories.
Recent visuals capture chaotic scenes, with vehicles congesting the routes leading out of Aleppo as residents futilely attempt to evacuate the city. The swift developments raise critical questions about the future administration of Aleppo and the overall trajectory of the Syrian civil conflict. It highlights the profound human cost of such hostilities, with civilians as the most affected demographic as they navigate the devastating impact of military actions on their everyday lives.
The unfolding situation in Syria is complex, with numerous factions and foreign influences at play, making predictions about the future uncertain. Potential governmental counterattacks could change the tides yet again, while the resilience and advances of rebel forces may embolden further uprisings across the war-torn nation. The dynamic and precarious state of affairs in Aleppo thus signifies a crucial juncture in the ongoing struggle, encapsulating the larger narrative of conflict in Syria that continues to displace and endanger millions.
