The Aleppo Offensive: Challenges to Assad's Rule in a Fractured Syria
The Syrian civil war has taken a dramatic turn as Islamist rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a significant offensive against President Bashar al-Assad’s forces. This marks the most substantial challenge to the Assad regime in four years, with rebels advancing from Idlib to seize control of half of Aleppo, Syria’s former industrial hub. This escalation signals potential regime vulnerabilities and the intensifying complexities of Syria's decade-long conflict.
Decoding the Offensive
Rebel factions, including HTS and Turkish-backed allies, swiftly captured territories, meeting little resistance as government forces withdrew. This offensive highlights the weakening of Assad’s grip in some regions, with reports of over 277 deaths, including civilians. The opposition’s unity and use of night operations have leveled the battlefield against Assad’s forces.
The Roots of Syria's Turmoil
The Syrian civil war erupted in 2011 following the Assad regime’s crackdown on pro-democracy protests. Over time, the conflict fractured into a multi-faceted war involving local, regional, and international players. Assad’s regime gained a lifeline through support from Iran and Russia, but ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have weakened his allies, exposing vulnerabilities.
A Proxy Battlefield
Syria remains a battleground for global powers. Israel’s strikes against Iranian-backed Hezbollah, coupled with recent escalations, have further strained Assad’s regime. These proxy battles have deepened Syria’s divisions, with Assad controlling around 60% of the country, leaving opposition groups, Kurdish forces, and others to govern the rest.
What Lies Ahead?
The Aleppo offensive underscores Syria’s fragile peace and shifting power dynamics. With a resurgence of opposition forces and weakened regime defenses, the prospect of regime change looms larger than ever. However, the conflict’s international dimensions complicate any resolution, leaving Syria’s future uncertain.
Refrence From: www.ndtv.com