Syrian Rebels Take Aleppo, Dealing Embarrassing Blow to Assad Regime
Aleppo, Syria – In a stunning turn of events, Syrian rebels have retaken control of Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, after a swift and unexpected offensive. The recapture of this major city, once a key battleground in the brutal decade-long civil war, marks a significant setback for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and exposes the vulnerability of his regime.
The rebels, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda, launched their surprise attack on November 27 and swiftly overwhelmed the weakened government forces, who retreated rapidly from the city. By November 29, Aleppo was firmly in rebel hands.
"We were very surprised at how quickly they fled, how they abandoned us," said Aleppo resident Ahmad Tutenji, describing the unsettling speed of the government’s withdrawal.
This unexpected victory highlights the increasingly precarious situation facing the Syrian government. While Assad has regained control of much of the country since 2020, aided by Russian airstrikes and Iranian backing, his allies are increasingly preoccupied with their own regional crises.
Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, the brutal conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and escalating tensions between Iran and Western powers have stretched the resources of Assad’s allies thin. Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group also allied with Assad, appears to be particularly preoccupied with the escalating conflict in Gaza, leaving the defense perimeter around Aleppo vulnerable.
"The development of this situation will have major impacts on civilians, regional and international security," United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen warned.
The capture of Aleppo by rebels is a stark reminder of the enduring fragility of the Syrian situation. While it is unclear if this represents a turning point in the conflict, it undoubtedly represents a major embarrassment for Assad and a substantial challenge to his grip on power.
Fierce fighting is already ongoing in Idlib province, the last major rebel stronghold, as Syrian government forces and Russian warplanes retaliate with airstrikes. "Reuters" reported that local rescuers in Idlib confirmed at least seven civilian deaths and dozens injured.
The Syrian government and Russia deny targeting civilians, but the airstrikes have impacted densely populated areas, including a Franciscan monastery in Aleppo, according to Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
"The only language the terrorists know is that of strength, and we will use this language to suppress them," Assad proclaimed.
While the rebels celebrate their victory and advance towards Khansir, a strategic town aimed at cutting off Aleppo’s government supply routes, the future of the Syrian civil war remains uncertain. The capture of Aleppo serves as a stark reminder of the conflict’s chaotic and unpredictable nature.
For the millions of Syrian refugees displaced by the ongoing war, the latest developments offer little hope for a swift resolution to the decade-long conflict.
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2024-12-02 04:35:00
