Syrian Rebels Seize Control of Aleppo in Stunning Offensive
Aleppo, Syria – In a dramatic turn of events, rebel forces have swept through the strategic Syrian city of Aleppo, capturing control from government troops backed by Russia and Iran. The swift and decisive advance, which began several days ago, marks a significant setback for the Assad regime and its allies.
"Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and associated opposition groups ‘control the city of Aleppo, except for areas controlled by Kurdish forces,’” Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP.
The rebel offensive, which began with astonishing speed Wednesday, saw HTS and allied groups seizing control of Aleppo airport and dozens of surrounding towns by November 30th. This followed a rapid takeover of most of Aleppo the previous day.
The fighting has been intense, leaving a gruesome toll. Syrian and Russian aircraft have launched airstrikes in support of Assad’s faltering forces. These strikes, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, killed at least 12 people in Aleppo on Sunday. Five more were killed in separate terrorist attacks near the University of Aleppo, Rahman reported.
Adding to the civilian suffering, Russian airstrikes also claimed the lives of eight civilians in the rebel-held city of Idlib, including two children and a woman.
The lightning victory has sent shockwaves through the Syrian conflict. Rebel forces have been gaining momentum in recent weeks, culminating in this stunning capture of Aleppo, Syria’s largest city before the war.
The Syrian government, with its Russian backers, initially appeared prepared to hold Aleppo. However, the rebels’ rapid advance overwhelmed government defenses. In response, the Kremlin vowed to provide additional military support to Assad, promising reinforcements within 72 hours on November 29th, according to Reuters.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, reports from the Central Intelligence Agency of Ukraine indicate that Russian soldiers have been suffering losses during the fighting in Syria.
The Syrian dictator, Bashar al-Assad, has broken his recent silence on the conflict, stating that Damascus is relying on its allies to stem the tide of the anti-government advance.
The fall of Aleppo raises pressing questions about the future of the Syrian conflict. The city’s capture by rebels will likely embolden opposition groups nationwide and could pave the way for further territorial gains against Assad’s beleaguered regime.
The outcome of this rapidly evolving situation will have profound implications not only for Syria but also for the broader Middle East, with potential ramifications for U.S. interests in the region.
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2024-12-01 20:10:00
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## Syrian Rebels’ Stunning Seize of Aleppo: A Turning Point in the Conflict?
The Syrian war presents a new dramatic turn as rebel forces, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have swiftly overrun Aleppo, Syria’s largest city before the war, capturing it from government troops backed by Russia adn Iran. This startling victory has sent shockwaves through the conflict, raising critical questions about the future of Syria and regional stability.To gain a deeper understanding of this rapidly evolving situation, we spoke wiht two leading experts: **Dr. Sarah El-Masri,** a Middle East analyst at the Brookings Institution, and **Colonel James Smith** (ret.), a former US military intelligence officer with expertise in Syrian affairs.
**The Lightning Offensive: How Did Rebels Achieve Such a Rapid Victory?**
**Dr. El-Masri:** “The speed of the rebel offensive was truly astounding. While HTS has been gaining strength for some time, the Syrian government, heavily reliant on Russian airpower, appeared unprepared for this ferocity. Contributing factors include a possible breakdown in coordination among the Syrian military and its allies, combined with potential increased funding and arms flow to HTS from its regional backers. “
**Colonel Smith:** “It’s important to remember that the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has been depleted by years of fighting.This, coupled with the element of surprise and effective rebel tactics, created the conditions for this unexpected breakthrough. The Russian response, while initially strong, appears to have been insufficient to halt the rebel momentum.”
**The Role of International Powers: Implications for Russia and US Interests**
**Colonel Smith:** “This development presents a important challenge for Russia. The Kremlin, which has poured billions into propping up Assad, will likely increase its military backing, risking further escalation. The US, while officially not involved in the conflict, will be carefully watching. The fall of Aleppo weakens US allies in the Kurds, and raises concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict.”
**Dr. El-Masri:** “Russia’s reputation is on the line here. This loss undermines its claim of being a formidable military power capable of shaping the Syrian conflict.The US, already wary of Russian influence in the region, will likely be reevaluating its options. The situation becomes even more complicated with reports of Russian casualties. This could push Moscow to seek a negotiated settlement.”
**The Future of Aleppo and Syria: What Lies Ahead?
**dr. El-Masri:** “The fall of Aleppo is a major blow to the Assad regime, but the war is far from over. The rebels will face challenges in consolidating their control and providing governance, especially with the presence of Kurdish forces in certain areas. The humanitarian crisis will unfortunately only worsen. We’re likely to see a continuation of intense fighting and, possibly, a resumption of stalled peace talks with renewed urgency.”
**colonel smith:** “This victory could embolden rebel groups across Syria and encourage further advances against the Assad regime. It’s crucial to remember that HTS, while effective on the battlefield, is a complex organization with extremist elements. Its control of Aleppo raises concerns about the future governance of the city and the potential for further radicalization.
**A Turning Point: The Fight for Syria Continues**
The fall of Aleppo is a watershed moment in the Syrian war,with profound implications for the country’s future and the wider Middle east. It remains to be seen if this victory can translate into lasting gains for the rebels or if it will lead to a more brutal chapter in the conflict.
**What are yoru thoughts on the impact of the Aleppo offensive? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below.**
**For further reading on the Syrian conflict, please explore our coverage of:**
* ‘Kurdish Militia in Syria Faces Uncertain Future amidst Political Shifts’
* The Growing Humanitarian Crisis in Idlib’
* ‘Russia’s Role in the Syrian conflict: A Balancing act’
