Syrian Rebels Gain Control of Most of Aleppo Amid Intense Clashes: Report
Beirut, Lebanon – In a significant escalation of Syria's ongoing war, jihadist rebels have reportedly seized control of the majority of Aleppo city, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. This development marks a major shift in the dynamics of the conflict, as Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, had been under government control since 2016.
Rebel Advances and Clashes
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an alliance led by Al-Qaeda’s former Syria branch, along with allied factions, launched a swift offensive against government forces backed by Iran and Russia. The Britain-based monitor reported that these groups have taken control of key government facilities, prisons, and other vital areas of Aleppo.
The Observatory director, Rami Abdel Rahman, stated that government forces retreated without significant resistance, allowing rebels to capture large portions of the city with little to no fighting. This sudden shift also included the strategic town of Saraqib, located southwest of Aleppo.
Casualty Toll and Civilian Impact
The conflict has exacted a heavy toll over the past few days, with the Observatory reporting 311 deaths, including:
- 183 from HTS and Turkish-backed factions.
- 100 government soldiers and allied forces.
- 28 civilians, including four killed in rebel shelling of a student residence in Aleppo.
Russian Airstrikes Resume
In a dramatic development, Russian warplanes conducted airstrikes on Aleppo for the first time since 2016. These airstrikes coincided with the arrival of large reinforcements for the rebels. The Russian military stated that they targeted "extremist forces," while Turkey, which supports certain rebel factions, called for a halt to the bombardments.
Strategic Importance of Aleppo
Aleppo, once Syria’s manufacturing hub, has long been a critical battleground. The city has a heavy presence of Iran-backed militias, which supported the Syrian government in its 2016 recapture of rebel-held areas. However, the recent advances by HTS and its allies threaten to undo years of government control.
Regional Implications
The clashes come amidst a fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah group in neighboring Lebanon, highlighting the broader regional tensions influenced by the Syrian conflict. Turkey and Russia, which had brokered a truce in the Idlib region in 2020, now find their agreement under strain due to repeated violations.
Celebrations and Uncertainty
Rebels were seen celebrating their advances late Friday, with anti-government fighters gathering near Aleppo’s iconic citadel. The city’s governor and other top officials reportedly withdrew, further underscoring the magnitude of the rebel gains.
As government forces attempt to regroup, the situation in Aleppo remains volatile, with its future uncertain amid renewed fighting and escalating regional tensions.
Reference from:-https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/syrian-rebels-control-most-of-aleppo-city-amid-clashes-war-monitor-7140138