In a bold and unexpected offensive, Syrian rebels have advanced into central Aleppo, prompting the Syrian military to announce a temporary withdrawal. The surprise attack, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), marks the first significant rebel presence in the city in years. Government forces are now regrouping, preparing for a counteroffensive, and vowing to retake lost ground.
Intense Clashes and Strategic Withdrawals
The Syrian military reported heavy casualties over the past few days, with dozens of soldiers killed or wounded in battles across Aleppo and Idlib. Rebel forces launched a coordinated assault across a 100-kilometer (60-mile) front, catching the military off guard. Despite fierce resistance, the rebels have managed to secure large parts of Aleppo.
A military spokesperson declared that while rebel advances had penetrated deep into the city, artillery bombardments prevented them from establishing permanent positions. “We will expel them and restore full control over the city and its countryside,” the spokesperson promised.
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Rebel Offensive Gains Momentum
The HTS-led offensive marks the most intense fighting in northwestern Syria since 2020. HTS, considered a terrorist organization by Syria, the U.S., and Russia, has emerged as the dominant opposition force in the region. Their rapid advance has also opened the door for long-displaced civilians to return to their homes in Aleppo.
Al Jazeera correspondent Resul Serdar reported that the rebels are now fully in control of central and northwestern Aleppo, with further advances toward Hama. “That this happened in just four days is unbelievable,” Serdar stated, emphasizing the speed and effectiveness of the rebel operation.
Civilian Impact and International Involvement
As the conflict escalates, civilians in opposition-held areas continue to suffer. The Syrian Civil Defence, known as the White Helmets, reported that Syrian and Russian airstrikes targeted residential areas, a petrol station, and a school in Idlib, killing four civilians and injuring six others.
In response, Syrian authorities have closed Aleppo’s airport, suspending all flights. Rebel forces have also captured the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib and seized a crucial highway linking Aleppo to Damascus.
Regional and International Ramifications
HTS’s swift advance has raised concerns about the future of Aleppo. Turkiye, which backs various opposition groups and maintains a military presence in the region, will likely play a key role in the unfolding conflict. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to support Kurdish forces in their fight against ISIS in eastern Syria.
Serdar noted that the Syrian government was caught off guard, partly due to the involvement of Hezbollah and Iran in other regional conflicts, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon. This distraction has allowed HTS to exploit vulnerabilities in the Syrian military’s defenses.
Uncertain Future for Aleppo
The sudden resurgence of rebel forces in Aleppo poses critical questions: Will the Syrian government, with backing from Russia and Iran, launch a decisive counterattack? Or will HTS solidify its control over Syria’s second-largest city? The coming days will be pivotal in determining Aleppo’s fate and the broader trajectory of the Syrian conflict.
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