Rebel Forces Seize Control of Aleppo, Shaking Syria‘s Power Balance
In a stunning turn of events, rebel forces have captured the strategic Syrian city of Aleppo, dealing a significant blow to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The rebel advance, described by analysts as "lightning takeover," has raised questions about the future of Syria and the balance of power in a conflict that’s raged for over a decade.
The offensive, spearheaded by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) – a former al Qaeda affiliate – along with groups supported by Turkey and others previously backed by the U.S., has seen rebel fighters gain control of key military installations, including the Aleppo airport. Video verified by CNN showed camo-clad fighters inside the airport terminal.
The Syrian and Russian militaries, in retaliation for the rebel gains, are intensifying airstrikes on opposition positions. Videos verified by CNN show the devastating impacts of these strikes, with at least four confirmed fatalities in Aleppo and Idlib. The Syrian army command claims to have killed and wounded dozens of rebels in strikes targeting "terrorist positions and their supply lines."
The White Helmets, a Syrian volunteer rescue service, reported further casualties, including four deaths in airstrikes on Idlib city, which now appears to be entirely under rebel control.
"Syrian and Russian jets are stepping up strikes on opposition forces in northern Syria," the article stated.
Assad, speaking for the first time since the takeover, pledged to "defend its stability and territorial integrity in the face of all terrorists and their supporters.” He added that Syria, "with the help of its allies and friends, [is] capable of defeating and eliminating them, no matter how intense their terrorist attacks are.”
This sudden turn of events has presented Western governments with a complex dilemma. Asli Aydintasbas, a Visiting Fellow at Brookings Institution, noted, “Should they be cheering the opposition taking over Syria’s second-largest city Aleppo, or should they actually worry about the city falling under Islamist rule?” Aydintasbas concludes that these events demonstrate a major power shift within Syria, highlighting Turkey’s emergence as a key player while Russia’s influence wanes and Iran is "on its back foot.”
A Multifaceted Conflict
Further complicating the situation, the rebel coalition is also engaged in clashes with Kurdish forces.
The Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army, part of the rebel coalition, claims to have captured the city of Tal Rifaat and towns in the Aleppo governorate, previously held not by the Assad regime but by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The SDF, largely comprised of fighters from the Kurdish YPG considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, has previously fought other Syrian opposition groups but has received backing from the US due to its effectiveness against ISIS. This latest development in the intricate web of alliances and conflicts raises questions about the potential for further destabilization in the region.
Analysis suggests this recent rebel offensive poses the most significant challenge to Assad’s eight-year rule since 2016, when Russia intervened militarily and reversed rebel gains. Whether the rebels can maintain control of Aleppo and their momentum remains to be seen, but these developments mark a potential turning point in Syria’s long-running civil war.
## Aleppo Falls: A turning Point in the Syrian War?
**world Today News exclusive Interview with Dr. Leila Ahmed, Senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Security Initiative**
**World Today News**: Dr. Ahmed, the capture of Aleppo by rebel forces is undeniably a striking advancement. What are your initial thoughts on the implications of this swift takeover?
**Dr.ahmed**: This is indeed a momentous and unexpected turn in the Syrian conflict. Aleppo, Syria’s largest city and former economic hub, has been a focal point of fighting for years. Its fall to rebel forces signifies a major strategic victory and a humbling blow to the Assad regime. The speed and decisiveness of the rebel advance – what’s being called a “lightning takeover” – suggests a possible shift in the balance of power on the ground.
**World Today News**: What factors contributed to the seemingly effortless Rebel success?
**dr. Ahmed**: Several factors likely played a role. The Syrian government has been stretched thin, battling multiple fronts and facing economic hardships.Moreover, reports suggest there may have been internal divisions within the regime’s ranks, possibly affecting troop morale and coordination. The rebel forces,possibly bolstered by external support,appear to have capitalized on these vulnerabilities with a well-coordinated and swift offensive.
**World Today News**: How might the capture of Aleppo impact the wider Syrian conflict?
**Dr. ahmed**: The fall of Aleppo could have cascading effects. It could embolden rebel groups and inspire further offensives against Assad’s forces. Conversely, it may also lead to increased repression and violence from the regime, desperate to hold onto power.
Internationally, this development could reinvigorate the debate on intervention in Syria. countries previously hesitant to involve themselves might reconsider their positions,seeing Aleppo’s capture as a potential tipping point.
**World Today News**: What does this mean for the future of Syria?
**Dr. Ahmed**: It’s still too early to definitively say. Aleppo’s fall raises more questions than it answers. Will the rebel forces be able to hold onto their gains, or will they face a fierce counter-offensive from the government?
The prevailing uncertainty underscores the complexity of the Syrian conflict. Achieving a lasting peace will require a extensive political solution involving all stakeholders, addressing the deep-rooted grievances that fuelled this conflict in the first place. Aleppo’s capture is a dramatic event, but it’s just another chapter in a long and tragic story. The struggle for Syria’s future continues.
**World Today News:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Ahmed.
