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
## “Turning Point or False Dawn?” Expert Analysis on Rebel Victory in Aleppo
**World Today News Exclusive Interview with Dr.Layla Azhari**
**Aleppo, Syria -** The recapture of Aleppo by Syrian rebels has sent shockwaves across the region, raising questions about the future of the Syrian civil war and the fate of the Assad regime.
To help us understand the implications of this dramatic shift, World Today News sat down with Dr. Layla Azhari, a leading expert on Syrian politics and international relations at the Institute for Middle Eastern Studies.
**WTN:** Dr. Azhari, the rebel takeover of Aleppo has been described as a “stunning victory.” What are your initial thoughts on this advancement?
**Dr. Azhari:** This is undoubtedly a significant development. Aleppo, as Syria’s largest city and former economic hub, holds vast symbolic and strategic importance. Its recapture by the rebels unquestionably represents a major blow to the assad regime’s legitimacy and control.
**WTN:** Many analysts are already calling this a turning point in the conflict. Do you agree?
**Dr.Azhari:** It’s certainly a major setback for Assad, but whether it constitutes a true turning point remains to be seen. The rebels still face significant challenges, including internal divisions and ongoing threats from Russian airstrikes and Iranian- backed militia groups.
The question now is how Assad will respond. Will he escalate militarily, attempt to negotiate, or seek a protracted stalemate?
**WTN:** What are the potential consequences of this rebel victory for civilians in Aleppo and Syria as a whole?
**dr. Azhari:** the immediate concern is the safety of civilians. while the rebels have promised a reprieve from the brutal Assad regime, there are concerns about reprisals and ongoing fighting even within rebel-held areas.
Moreover, Aleppo’s infrastructure lies in ruins. Rebuilding the city and providing basic services will be a colossal task, requiring substantial international support.
Beyond Aleppo, the rebel victory coudl embolden other opposition groups and potentially lead to further escalations in other parts of Syria.
**WTN:** What role do you see international actors playing in the aftermath of this development?
**Dr. azhari:** The international community, especially the United States, Russia, and Turkey, will be closely watching the situation.
Russia, a staunch ally of Assad, may feel compelled to increase its military support for the regime. Meanwhile, the US and its allies may have renewed leverage to negotiate a political solution.
Ultimately, finding a lasting solution to the Syrian conflict will require a concerted international effort and willingness from all parties to engage in meaningful dialog.
**WTN:** Dr. Azhari, thank you for sharing your insights.
**Dr. Azhari:** It’s my pleasure.
_This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity._
