Rebel Group Seizes Control of Aleppo, Dealing Blow to Assad Regime
Aleppo, Syria – In a stunning upset, the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has captured most of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. This remarkable victory, achieved through a swift and surprise offensive launched last Wednesday, marks a significant setback for the Syrian government and its allies.
The capture of Aleppo, once a pivotal battleground in the Syrian civil war, serves as a stark reminder of the enduring tensions in the region.
"Most" of Aleppo is now under the control of HTS, according to reports. Russia, a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, responded to the rebel advance with airstrikes, its first such action in Aleppo since 2016. Syrian government forces have since withdrawn from the city.
The Rise of HTS: From Al-Qaeda Ally to Independent Force
HTS, formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, emerged in 2011 as a branch of the notorious terrorist group Al-Qaeda.
"The leader of the Islamic State (IS) group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was also involved in its creation," notes analysis by the BBC.
However, in a crucial break from its past, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani severed ties with Al-Qaeda in 2016, dissolving Jabhat al-Nusra and establishing HTS in its place. This move, coupled with the incorporation of other rebel groups, solidified HTS’s position as a major player in the Syrian conflict.
Despite its origins and ties to Al-Qaeda, HTS leadership has publicly distanced itself from a global jihadist agenda, focusing instead on establishing an Islamist government within Syria.
Strategic Momentum: Hezbollah’s Recent Losses Play a Role
HTS’s recent moves in Aleppo come amidst reported difficulties faced by Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese Shia militia that has played a key role in supporting the Assad regime. Israel’s ongoing military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as targeted attacks on Iranian military commanders in Syria, have weakened Hezbollah’s operational capabilities.
This shift in the regional power dynamic has seemingly emboldened HTS to make a bold move on Aleppo.
Aleppo: A City Scarred by War
For years, Aleppo served as a focal point of the Syrian conflict, witnessing some of the most brutal fighting of the war. The city’s capture by Assad, aided by Russian air power and Iranian militia support, dealt a significant blow to rebel forces at the time.
The latest developments in Aleppo raise important questions about the future of the Syrian conflict and the potential for renewed instability in the region.
Photo/X/@Cartman_Freedom
2024-12-01 09:20:00
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