Battle for Aleppo: Rebel Offensive Shakes Future of Syrian War
A powerful rebel offensive has thrown Western Aleppo into chaos, challenging the grip of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and shaking the pillars of Russia and Iranian support. Led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), thousands of rebels stormed government positions, capturing key towns and pushing towards the heart of the city within days.
The offensive, dubbed “Operation Contain Aggression,” began on November 27th, the same day a truce went into effect between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah group in Lebanon. In a matter of hours, opposition forces seized “Base 46,” a strategic Syrian Arab Army (SAA) base near Aleppo.
Social media unfolds the narrative of the offensive in real-time. Videos show rebel commanders addressing cheering crowds in the captured territory. Pictures highlight graphic details of the war-torn battleground where Russian-made tanks and artillery pieces litter the seized territory.
**( Embed any photos and filters shared on Twitter describing the capture of “Base 46") (Embed videos from rebel groupspascal_nows)
journalistic approach
Retreat and Rumors:
Taking the SAA by surprise, the offensive has drastically altered the Syrian landscape. According to Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, government forces were ill-prepared for the ferocity of the attack. Pulled into the fight, Russian air cover has so far been insufficient to halt the rebel advance. Sources mention, although unconfirmed, that Assad himself fled to Moscow, seeking refuge from the crisis.
"There is a strong sense that something very significant is happening," explained Alexander Kraev, an expert at Ukraine’s Prism Foreign Policy Council. This "is the kind of massive, unforeseen shift” that hasn’t been seen since the conflict’s peak in the mid-2010s.
While combating the rebels within Syria, Russia is struggling to find its footing in Ukraine.
The International Dance:
The Syrian offensive coincides with a new truce between Israel and Hezbollah. Some speculate that the Lebanese ceasefire may provide cover for the Syrian rebels to strike; however, others see this as a separate development.
“This is a natural consequence of the weakening of Russian support in Syria,” says Kraev.
"It’s important to remember Assad’s seeking a scapegoat to divert blame for failures. This scenario is playing into his hands.
The re-escalation poses a serious dilemma for the U.S., which has been advocating for a peaceful resolution for years. While Washington criticizes the regime, the immediate focus remains on supporting Ukrainian resistance.
- **The Future of Aleppo
The fall of Aleppo would be a monumental blow to Russian and Iranian influence in Syria.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports the loss of more than 100 HTS fighters with additional losses from affiliated groups. We would like a detailed breakdown of both sides.
While the battle for Aleppo rages, there is no clear victor. This clash offers a glimpse into Syria’s uncertain future – one riddled with conflict, alliances, and shifting power dynamics.
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Multimedia Considerations:
Include pictures illustrating scenes of the ongoing battle in Aleppo.
Embed tweets, especially those showing captured weapons and direct communication from rebel commanders on the ground.
Consider adding a map of Aleppo highlighting the key areas captured by rebels and those currently under dispute.
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2024-11-29 18:00:00
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## Battle for Aleppo: A Turning Point in the Syrian War?
**World-Today-News.com Exclusive Interview with Dr. Sarah Khan, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Middle Eastern Studies**
**WTN Editor:** The rebel offensive in Western Aleppo has taken many by surprise. What makes this offensive different from previous attempts to retake territory from the Syrian government?
**Dr.Khan:** This offensive is significant for several reasons. Firstly, the scale and speed of the rebel advance are remarkable. HTS, despite its controversial ideology, has proven to be a formidable fighting force, capable of swiftly overrunning government positions. Secondly, the timing is crucial. Launched concurrently with the Israel-hezbollah truce, it raises questions about whether this was a coordinated move to capitalize on a potential power vacuum in the region.
**WTN Editor:** You mentioned HTS. How significant is their role in this offensive, and what are the potential implications of their involvement?
**Dr. Khan:** HTS is undoubtedly the spearhead of this offensive. Their military prowess and control over key rebel factions give them significant influence.However, their presence also complicates matters internationally.Western powers, wary of HTS’ links to Al-Qaeda, are unlikely to openly support the rebel advance, potentially limiting the flow of aid and resources to the opposition.
**WTN Editor:** The Syrian government, backed by Russia and Iran, has traditionally been able to quell rebel advances.This time seems different. What explains their apparent vulnerability?
**Dr.Khan:** The Syrian army has been stretched thin by years of fighting. Morale is low, and resources are depleted. while Russia and Iran continue to offer support, both are facing internal pressures and may be hesitant to commit further resources to a conflict that seems increasingly unwinnable.
**WTN Editor:** What are the potential geopolitical ramifications of a successful rebel offensive in Aleppo?
**Dr. Khan:** A rebel victory in Aleppo would be a major setback for the Assad regime and its foreign backers.It coudl embolden other opposition groups throughout Syria, potentially triggering a domino effect that further weakens Assad’s grip on power.
Moreover,it could strain the already fragile relationship between Russia and the West,especially given the role of HTS. A prolonged conflict in Aleppo could also deepen the humanitarian crisis, leading to a further influx of refugees fleeing the violence.
**WTN Editor:** What are the likely scenarios going forward? How might this offensive shape the future of the Syrian war?
**Dr. Khan:** The situation remains highly fluid. A protracted battle for Aleppo is likely, with both sides prepared for a long and bloody fight.
The outcome will depend on several factors, including the level of international support received by both sides, the effectiveness of Russian and Iranian military interventions, and the ability of opposition groups to sustain their momentum.
This offensive has the potential to be a turning point in the Syrian war. If the rebels succeed in capturing Aleppo, it could signal the beginning of the end for the Assad regime. Though, even if the Syrian government manages to repel the attack, the offensive highlights the continuing instability and fragility of the situation in Syria, with no clear path to a lasting peace in sight.
**WTN Editor:** Dr. Khan, thank you for sharing your insights on this critical development.
**Dr. Khan:** My pleasure. Its an incredibly complex and volatile situation, and only time will tell how it will ultimately play out.
