A major escalation in the Syrian civil war has seen rebel forces seize control of the majority of Aleppo city, prompting swift condemnation from key allies of the Syrian government, Russia and Iran. The dramatic shift in control comes after a fierce offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions, who, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, have overrun government centers, prisons, and even the Aleppo International Airport – a significant strategic victory for the rebels. This marks the first time rebels have secured control of such a key facility since the conflict began.
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, engaged in an urgent phone call on Saturday to discuss the rapidly deteriorating situation. A statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized Moscow’s strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. This underscores the deep concern in Moscow regarding the escalating rebellion and its potential implications for the regional balance of power.
The intensity of the fighting is undeniable. Overnight, Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes on Aleppo for the first time since 2016, targeting areas controlled by the rebels. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 16 civilians were killed and 20 more severely injured in these strikes, with civilian vehicles specifically targeted. Meanwhile, the Syrian army acknowledged that rebels had entered “large parts” of Aleppo, reporting “dozens” of Syrian army casualties. The scale of casualties highlights the ferocity of the fighting and raises serious concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
Adding another layer of complexity to the crisis, Iran reported an attack on its consulate in Aleppo during the rebel offensive. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei strongly condemned the assault, emphasizing that all consulate staff members were safe. This incident underscores the broader regional implications of the conflict and the potential for further international involvement.
The rebels’ advance extends beyond Aleppo. Reports indicate that HTS and its allies have also made significant gains in Hama and Idlib provinces, capturing numerous strategic towns without encountering significant resistance. The ease with which these towns have fallen suggests the Syrian government’s weakening grip on the region and the strength of the ongoing rebellion. The group HTS, a powerful coalition with roots linked to Al-Qaeda’s former Syrian branch, maintains significant control over parts of Idlib, Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia provinces, making the current situation even more precarious. The implications of these territorial gains by HTS are far-reaching and have the potential to reshape the dynamics of the Syrian conflict significantly in the coming weeks and months.
