A dramatic escalation of the Syrian civil war is unfolding, with Iranian-backed militias rushing to bolster Syrian government forces facing a significant rebel offensive. According to multiple reports citing Syrian army sources, dozens of fighters from Iraq’s Hashd al-Shaabi, including members of Katiab Hezbollah and Fatemiyoun groups, crossed into Syria overnight, heading towards the northern frontlines. A senior Syrian army officer, quoted by Reuters, stated that these reinforcements are crucial in supporting government troops engaged in intense combat.
This influx of fighters comes in response to a major Islamist-led offensive that has dramatically shifted the balance of power. Over the weekend, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and allied factions seized control of Aleppo city, Syria’s second-largest city and a location with immense historical and strategic importance. This marks a significant territorial gain for the rebels, who, despite previous battles, had never before completely taken over Aleppo. The city, home to two million people and dominated by its iconic citadel, has witnessed fierce fighting throughout the protracted conflict. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the rebel takeover, excluding Kurdish-held neighborhoods.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, characterized the offensive as a deliberate attempt to redraw the region’s map in accordance with US interests. This assessment underscores the deep-seated geopolitical tensions fueling the conflict. Assad’s government, backed by Russia and Iran, is responding with airstrikes targeting Islamist and Turkish-backed rebels. Both Russia and Iran have pledged continued support to Assad’s forces, particularly in light of the recent losses.
The conflict, which began in 2011 with Assad’s crackdown on pro-democracy protests, has claimed over 500,000 lives and drawn in numerous foreign powers and jihadist groups. While Assad’s forces had regained control over significant portions of the country after years of fluctuating frontlines, the recent offensive signals a dangerous resurgence in the intensity of the fighting. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with China expressing its support for Syria’s efforts to maintain national security and stability and urging a de-escalation of the conflict.
The movement of Iranian-backed militias into Syria highlights the complex regional dynamics at play. The ongoing conflict continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability and underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution. The sheer scale of the rebel gains, particularly the fall of Aleppo, represents a major turning point in the war, raising serious questions about the future of the region and the potential for further escalation.
