In a dramatic escalation of the Syrian conflict, jihadist rebels have seized control of a majority of Aleppo city, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based war monitor. This stunning offensive, launched on Wednesday, has left the Iranian- and Russian-backed Syrian government reeling. The swiftness and relative ease of the rebel advance have shocked observers, with reports suggesting minimal resistance from government forces in many areas.
The Observatory reported that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a jihadist alliance with ties to Al-Qaeda, and their allied factions have taken control of most of Aleppo, including key government centers and prisons. This represents a significant territorial gain for HTS, which already controls large swathes of Idlib province and parts of neighboring regions. The capture of Aleppo would mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing civil war, potentially reshaping the balance of power.
Adding another layer of complexity, Russian warplanes launched air raids on Aleppo for the first time since 2016, targeting areas held by the rebels. This intervention underscores the deepening involvement of external actors in the Syrian conflict. The SOHR has reported a rising death toll, with at least 311 casualties in the recent fighting—183 rebels, 100 pro-government forces, and 28 civilians. State media reported additional civilian casualties following rebel shelling of a student residence.
The timing of the offensive is noteworthy. It began on the same day a fragile ceasefire took effect in neighboring Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, a Damascus ally. This raises questions about potential connections or strategic considerations underlying the timing of the Aleppo assault. The rebels’ rapid advance has been described by SOHR director Rami Abdel Rahman as swift and virtually bloodless in many areas, with government forces withdrawing with little or no resistance. Reports from AFP correspondents corroborate the rebels’ presence in key areas of the city, including near the iconic Aleppo citadel.
The Syrian government has acknowledged the rebel assault, but reports indicate that government reinforcements have been deployed to Aleppo. An anonymous Syrian security official confirmed the arrival of troops, while the Syrian army stated that they had repelled parts of the assault. Despite these claims, the Observatory asserts that the Aleppo governor and key security personnel have withdrawn from the city center.
The rebels’ gains extend beyond Aleppo. They have also captured the strategically important town of Saraqib, located on a key road leading to Aleppo. This seizure further enhances their control over vital transportation routes. The strategic implications of these territorial gains are substantial, underscoring the significant shift in power dynamics within Syria. The ongoing situation highlights the volatile nature of the conflict and the complex interplay of regional and international forces at play. Turkey has called for a halt to the bombardment of Idlib, while Russia has stated its air strikes are targeting “extremist” forces, reflecting the conflicting narratives surrounding the escalating situation in Aleppo.
