The long-standing Syrian civil war has reignited with unprecedented intensity as rebel forces launched a major assault on government-held positions in Aleppo, marking the most significant escalation of violence in the region since 2020. Syrian state media reported that at least four civilians, including two students, were killed in the attacks, which have plunged the region into turmoil and displaced thousands.
A Surge in Rebel Activity
For the first time in years, armed rebel groups attacked the city of Aleppo, a key stronghold for Syrian government forces. On Friday, the rebels detonated two car bombs before initiating a ground offensive targeting Aleppo’s western outskirts. The Syrian military responded with a counter-offensive, claiming to have repelled the initial assault and regained some strategic positions.
“Our forces continue to repel the major offensive launched by armed terrorist groups,” the Syrian army said in a statement. However, reports from the ground suggest that the conflict is far from over, with fighting intensifying around the city.
The Turkish state news agency Anadolu stated that rebel groups managed to penetrate Aleppo’s city center. However, specifics about the extent of their presence remain unclear.
Civilian Casualties and Mass Displacement
Amid the clashes, a rebel shell struck a residential building that housed university students, resulting in the deaths of four civilians. This incident underscores the high human cost of the renewed fighting, as urban centers become battlegrounds.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that over 14,000 people, nearly half of them children, have been displaced due to the violence. This wave of displacement adds to the already dire humanitarian crisis in Syria, which has seen millions uprooted since the conflict began in 2011.
A Strategic Push by Rebel Forces
The rebel offensive, spearheaded by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group formerly linked to al-Qaeda, has captured over a dozen towns and villages in the northwestern province of Aleppo. Reports indicate that the rebels have seized control of the countryside west of Aleppo and strategic points along the M5 highway, a crucial logistical route for the Syrian military.
In an analysis of the developments, Al Jazeera’s Sinem Koseoglu reported from Hatay, Turkiye: “The opposition factions have taken control of key territories and are now close to Aleppo’s city center. They have also secured the M5 highway, a critical route for military transfers.”
The offensive coincides with heightened tensions in southern Lebanon, which may have emboldened opposition forces to reclaim lost territory.
Airstrikes and Regional Implications
In response to the rebel advance, Syrian and Russian warplanes have launched airstrikes on rebel-held areas near the Turkiye-Syria border. The aim is to push back the opposition’s territorial gains. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that rebels captured Aleppo’s civilian airport for the first time, a significant strategic setback for government forces.
Colin Clarke, a senior research fellow at The Soufan Center, commented on the implications of the rebel advance: “While the rebels are unlikely to push beyond northwestern Syria, their recent gains have put the Syrian government and its allies, particularly Iran, under considerable pressure.”
International Reactions and Strategic Concerns
The recent escalation has drawn global attention, with reactions from key players in the conflict. Russia, a staunch ally of the Syrian government, condemned the rebel offensive as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed confidence in the Syrian military’s ability to restore order.
Iran, another critical ally of President Bashar al-Assad, has also reaffirmed its support. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared Iran’s ongoing commitment to Syria’s fight against “terrorism” during a call with Syrian officials. However, experts suggest that Iran’s regional ambitions, once championed by the late General Qasem Soleimani, are under strain due to recent setbacks.
Meanwhile, Turkiye, which supports certain opposition factions, has urged restraint to prevent further civilian casualties. “It is of utmost importance to avoid further instability and harm to civilians,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Concerns Over Extremist Gains
The rebel offensive has raised alarms about the involvement of extremist factions. Reports suggest that these groups, some with ties to al-Qaeda, may gain control over sensitive sites, including facilities linked to Syria’s chemical weapons program. Jason Brodsky, policy director for United Against Nuclear Iran, warned of potential security threats, particularly to neighboring Israel.
“The capture of strategic sites by extremist groups raises serious concerns for regional stability and Israeli national security,” Brodsky said.
The Broader Context
The renewed violence in Aleppo is a stark reminder of the ongoing complexities of the Syrian conflict. Since its onset in 2011, the war has evolved into a multifaceted struggle involving various local and international actors. Despite intermittent ceasefires and peace talks, the conflict remains unresolved.
The offensive in Aleppo also highlights the enduring challenges faced by the Assad regime. While supported by powerful allies such as Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, the government’s control over key regions is far from secure.
For the residents of Aleppo, the renewed fighting brings back memories of the devastating siege in 2016. Sarmad, a 51-year-old resident, expressed his fears: “We hear the sounds of missiles and artillery shelling around the clock. We’re scared that war will break out and we’ll be displaced from our homes again.”
As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community faces renewed pressure to address the humanitarian and geopolitical consequences of the Syrian war. The path to peace remains uncertain, with the latest developments serving as a grim reminder of the war’s devastating toll.