Syrian Rebels Enter Aleppo Amid Fierce Fighting

Syrian Rebels Enter Aleppo Amid Fierce Fighting

Syrian Rebels Enter Aleppo Amid Fierce Fighting

In a dramatic escalation of the Syrian conflict, rebel forces have launched their most significant offensive in years, claiming entry into Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city. This marks a crucial moment in a war that has ravaged the country for over a decade. Fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a prominent Islamist group, spearheaded the assault, striking from their stronghold in Idlib province. Reports from various sources, including geolocated video footage, confirm their presence in western suburbs of Aleppo, challenging the government's grip on the region for the first time since 2016.

The fighting, which began with a coordinated offensive on Wednesday, has been fierce. Rebel forces quickly advanced, seizing over 50 towns and villages across Aleppo and Idlib provinces. Meanwhile, Syrian and Russian forces retaliated with relentless airstrikes. On Friday alone, 23 air raids targeted the Aleppo region, reportedly killing 255 people, including civilians and combatants. This surge of violence has also displaced over 14,000 people, with families fleeing for safety amid the chaos.

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Government forces have responded by deploying reinforcements and launching counterattacks to reclaim lost positions. The scale of the rebel offensive, including their use of car bombs and seized military hardware, suggests significant preparation. However, it remains uncertain whether they can sustain control of the newly captured territories.

This latest conflict underscores the fragile balance of power in Syria. The region has witnessed a relative lull in major hostilities since a 2020 ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey. However, ongoing Israeli airstrikes against Iranian-backed forces in Syria and the shifting focus of Russian military resources to the Ukraine war may have emboldened the rebels.

The humanitarian toll of this renewed violence is devastating. Civilian casualties, including the deaths of children, highlight the war's enduring tragedy. As international actors monitor the situation, the unfolding events in Aleppo could reshape the dynamics of Syria’s long and complex civil war.

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