The skies over Idlib, Syria, roared with the sounds of war on Sunday, marking the second consecutive day of intense aerial bombardment by Russian and Syrian jets. This brutal campaign aims to push back insurgent forces who, in a stunning offensive, captured territory near Aleppo, shattering a fragile stalemate that had persisted since 2020. The attacks represent a significant escalation in the ongoing Syrian civil war, posing one of the most substantial challenges to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in years.
Residents of Idlib, the largest city in a rebel-held enclave bordering Turkey, reported a devastating raid that struck a crowded residential area in the city’s center, where approximately four million people reside in makeshift shelters. Rescue workers confirmed at least four deaths and numerous injuries. While the Syrian army and its Russian allies claim their targets are insurgent hideouts, denying any deliberate targeting of civilians, the impact on the civilian population remains undeniable and deeply concerning.
The rebel offensive, launched on Friday night, saw insurgents swiftly seize control of areas east of Idlib province, including parts of Aleppo city. This unexpected surge forced the Syrian army to redeploy, resulting in the reported deaths of dozens of Syrian soldiers. The Syrian army announced on Sunday that it had begun to retake some of the recently lost territory, signaling a fierce counter-offensive is underway.
The rebel coalition is a complex mix of Turkey-backed secular groups and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a designated terrorist organization by the U.S., Russia, Turkey, and other nations. HTS is the most formidable military force within the opposition. This alliance presents a multifaceted challenge to the Assad regime, particularly given HTS’s military strength.
The conflict’s impact on the civilian population is catastrophic. Inside Aleppo, streets were largely deserted, shops closed, and fear palpable as residents remained indoors. However, a steady stream of civilians were observed fleeing the city, seeking safety amidst the relentless violence. Syrian troops, having withdrawn from Aleppo, are regrouping and receiving reinforcements for the counter-attack.
The rebels’ advance continues. Reports indicate that they have pushed further south of Aleppo, capturing the town of Khansir, aiming to sever the Syrian army’s main supply line to the city. They also claim to have secured Sheikh Najjar, a major industrial zone. This strategic push underscores the rebels’ determination and their sophisticated tactical maneuvers.
The speed of the rebel advance has been attributed to a lack of manpower supporting the Syrian army. The crucial role previously played by Iranian-backed Shi’ite militias and Hezbollah – which enabled Assad to regain significant territory – has been diminished, according to military sources. Recent Israeli strikes targeting Iranian bases in Syria, and operations in Lebanon, are also believed to have weakened Hezbollah’s capabilities, potentially contributing to the vulnerability of Assad’s forces.
This renewed conflict in Idlib and Aleppo marks a dramatic shift in the ongoing Syrian civil war, renewing the brutality and highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. The long-term consequences remain uncertain, but the immediate future holds the grim prospect of continued violence and displacement for millions of Syrian civilians caught in the crossfire.
