Syria’s Assad Vows to Defeat ‘Terrorists’ as ‘Most of’ Aleppo Controlled by Rebels
Introduction
The conflict in Syria has once again escalated as militant forces opposing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad launched their biggest offensive in years, leading to a significant rebel advance in the city of Aleppo. This development has reignited the long-standing Syrian conflict and brought to light the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.
Key Points
- Militant forces opposing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have launched their biggest offensive in years this week.
- Images from Aleppo showed a group of rebel fighters gathered in the city’s Saadallah al-Jabiri Square.
- Russia’s defence ministry said its air force carried out strikes on rebels in support of Assad’s army, Russian news agencies reported.
Rebel Advance in Aleppo
The Syrian army reported that dozens of its soldiers were killed in a major attack led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels, who managed to sweep into the city of Aleppo, forcing the army to redeploy in what is considered the biggest challenge to President Bashar al-Assad in years. The rebel group, once known as the Nusra Front, is designated as a terrorist group by several countries, including the US and Russia.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied factions had taken control of most of the city, including government centers and prisons. The rebel advance marks a significant shift in the conflict, which had largely seen frozen frontlines since 2020.
Assad’s Response
Despite the rebel advances, President Bashar al-Assad remains resolute in his stance to defeat “all terrorists and their backers.” He emphasized Syria’s commitment to defending its stability and territorial integrity with the help of allies and friends, regardless of the intensity of the terrorist attacks.
Aleppo, a city that had been firmly held by the government since 2016, witnessed rebel fighters celebrating their newfound control. The Syrian military acknowledged the rebel advance, stating that insurgents had entered large parts of Aleppo and prompting the army to prepare a counterattack.
Geopolitical Implications
The conflict in Syria has broader geopolitical implications, with Russia and Iran backing Assad’s government, while Turkey supports some rebel factions in the northwest. The recent offensive in Aleppo has once again brought to light the complex alliances and rivalries in the region, particularly as Turkey and Russia discuss joint actions to stabilize the situation.
Expert Insights
- Mustafa Abdul Jaber, a commander in the Jaish al-Izza rebel brigade, attributed the rebels’ speedy advance to a lack of Iran-backed manpower supporting the government in Aleppo province.
- The Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) have expanded their control in Aleppo as government troops retreated, signaling a shifting power dynamic in the city.
- Iran has accused the US and Israel of orchestrating the rebel attacks as part of a broader plan to destabilize the region.
Conclusion
The recent developments in Aleppo underscore the volatile and complex nature of the Syrian conflict, with rebel forces making significant gains against the Assad regime. The conflict’s resurgence has reignited concerns about regional stability and the involvement of major global powers in the ongoing crisis.
FAQs
- What sparked the recent rebel offensive in Aleppo?
- How have regional powers like Russia, Turkey, and Iran responded to the conflict escalation?
- What are the implications of the rebel advance for the broader Syrian conflict?