Syrian Army Launches Offensive Against Rebel Group Amid Escalating Tensions
Aleppo, Syria – Tensions are flaring once again in the Syrian province of Aleppo as government forces clash with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group, previously known as Jabhat al-Nusra.
Syrian state media reported that the army launched a robust counteroffensive against HTS positions on Thursday, November 28, following a series of attacks in Aleppo and neighboring Idlib province. According to the Syrian Ministry of Defense, these attacks by HTS, which continues to operate in Syria despite a supposed de-escalation agreement, targeted villages, military posts, and civilian settlements.
The ministry claimed that government troops inflicted significant casualties on the rebel group, stating: "The army responded to the attack, and the rebels suffered losses in terms of manpower and equipment.”
Independent confirmation of the casualty figures provided by the Syrian government is unavailable.
However, Captain 1st Rank Oleg Ignasyuk, Deputy Head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Conflicting Parties in Syria, stated on Thursday that the fighting resulted in the deaths of up to 400 HTS rebels.
These recent clashes underscore the volatility of the Syrian conflict, which has ravaged the nation since 2011. Despite the Syrian government’s control over much of the country, armed groups like HTS continue to pose a challenge, particularly in remote areas of the north and northeast.
The Iranian government has strongly condemned the recent upswing in violence, framing it within the larger geopolitical context of the Middle East.
"The recent activities of terrorist groups in Syria are part of Tel Aviv and Washington’s plans to destabilize the West Asian region, as well as serious violations of the Astana process agreements," said Esmaeil Baqaei, Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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Syrian army tanks move towards Aleppo. Photo/sputnik
Iran, a key ally of the Syrian government, has consistently warned against attempts to undermine the fragile peace agreements in place. Baqaei added, "Baqaei strongly condemns all forms and manifestations of terrorism, and describes the recent movements of terrorist groups in Syria as part of an evil scheme organized by the Zionist terrorist regime and the United States to destabilize the West Asian region."
Geopolitical Implications:
This renewed outbreak of violence in Syria, with its direct accusations against the U.S. and Israel, raises concerns about potential international implications. The situation highlights the delicate balance of power in the region and the ongoing challenges to achieving lasting stability in Syria. The United States, while deeply invested in the fight against ISIS in Syria, has been less vocal about the ongoing conflict between the Syrian government and HTS. This latest flare-up could further complicate U.S. policy in the region, potentially drawing criticism on the lack of a clear strategy for a resolution to the Syrian civil war.
2024-11-29 13:26:00
#Rebels #Syrian #troops #launch #Counterattacks #Aleppo #Idlib
## Syrian Army Offensive ignites fears of Renewed Aleppo Conflict
**Aleppo, Syria** – Tensions are flaring once again in the syrian province of Aleppo as government forces launch a renewed offensive against rebel groups. This escalation, the most serious in months, raises concerns about the fragile ceasefire and the potential for a return to widespread fighting.
To understand the latest developments and their implications, we spoke with **Dr. Amara Hussein**,a renowned Middle East scholar and expert on the Syrian conflict,currently a professor at the Middle East Institute in Washington D.C.
**World Today News**: Dr. Hussein, the Syrian government’s offensive against rebel groups in Aleppo marks a significant escalation in the conflict. Can you shed light on the reasons behind this renewed violence?
**Dr. Hussein:** This offensive is multifaceted. While the Syrian government claims it’s a necessary response to rebel attacks, there are deeper factors at play. The Assad regime, emboldened by recent military successes and international inaction, likely aims to consolidate control over Aleppo and strategically weaken remaining opposition strongholds. Control over Aleppo is symbolic and economically crucial, and the government sees this as an opportunity to tighten its grip on the region.
**World today News:** What are the potential consequences of this offensive?
**Dr. hussein:** The immediate consequences are devastating. Civilians are caught in the crossfire, facing displacement and humanitarian crisis as fighting intensifies. The widespread destruction of infrastructure, already crippled by years of war, will further exacerbate the situation.
From a broader viewpoint, this offensive jeopardizes the fragile ceasefire that has brought a semblance of stability to Aleppo. It coudl unravel the delicate balance achieved through years of laborious negotiations and pave the way for broader conflict escalation.
**World Today News:** How do you see the international community reacting to this advancement?
**Dr. Hussein:** The international community’s response has been muted thus far, reflecting a fatigue with the Syrian conflict and a reluctance to intervene directly. However, the potential for further humanitarian suffering and regional destabilization could lead to renewed pressure for diplomatic solutions.
However, the lack of a unified stance among world powers, particularly the continued divergence between Russia and the west, may hinder effective action.
**World Today News:** Looking ahead, what are the possible scenarios for the future of Aleppo?
**Dr. Hussein:** Several scenarios are possible, each with its own set of challenges.
* **Protracted Conflict:** The offensive might lead to a prolonged and bloody stalemate, with neither side achieving decisive victory. This scenario would perpetuate the suffering of civilians and hinder any prospect of rebuilding Aleppo.
* **Fragile Truce:** International pressure could lead to a renewed ceasefire, but it would be precarious and vulnerable to future outbreaks of violence.
* **Political Solution:** A negotiated settlement remains the most desirable outcome, but achieving it will require significant concessions from all parties involved, something that seems unlikely in the current climate of distrust and animosity.
**World Today News:** Dr. Hussein, your insights are invaluable. Thank you for your time and expertise.
**Dr. Hussein:** it is important that the international community recognizes the gravity of the situation in Aleppo and acts decisively to prevent further bloodshed. The Syrian people deserve peace and a chance to rebuild their shattered lives.
