Syrian Rebels Launch Surprise Offensive, Reoccupy Parts of Aleppo

Syrian rebels have reportedly retaken significant areas of Aleppo amid a surprise offensive against government forces, marking the first significant rebel action since 2020. Iranian-backed manpower weaknesses have been attributed to the success of the insurgents, despite Syrian state media denying reports of rebel capture. The ongoing conflict has raised significant humanitarian concerns with reports of civilian casualties, prompting calls for the protection of non-combatants.

Syrian rebels reported on Friday that they successfully infiltrated the core of Aleppo, the northern city that had been under government control since late 2016. The offensive was led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which executed a rapid assault into multiple towns in northern Aleppo, an area long dominated by President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, supported by both Iran and Russia. The rebels indicated that their transformation in fortune was attributed to a decrease in manpower from Iran-backed forces, following substantial losses experienced by Hezbollah amidst Israeli engagements in the region.

Despite the rebel claims, Syrian state media refuted the reports of insurgent advancement and asserted that the military maintained control over the situation, bolstered by Russian air support. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with reports of at least 27 fatalities, including children, as a result of recent hostilities. The U.N. has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, emphasizing the need for protecting civilian lives under international humanitarian law.

The offensive marks the most significant rebel activity since a de-escalation agreement between Russia and Turkey came into effect in March 2020. The attack allegedly received tacit support from Turkey, despite Turkish officials expressing their intent to mitigate further instability in the region. Kurdish authorities have raised fears concerning the potential for escalating clashes that undermine efforts for peace. Both Russian and Syrian military forces have undertaken airstrikes in an attempt to suppress the insurrection.

Through these developments, Russia’s government articulated its concern regarding the insurgent advances, portraying them as threats to Syrian sovereignty. The Kremlin, responding to unverified information about President Assad’s discussions in Moscow, indicated a desire for swift governmental action to reestablish order within Aleppo. This escalation of conflict underscores the continuing crisis, which has resulted in significant losses, with estimates of civilian deaths exceeding 600,000 since the beginning of the civil war in 2011.

The ongoing Syrian civil war, which erupted in March 2011, has led to significant territorial battles, notably over the control of key cities such as Aleppo. In late 2016, government forces, backed by Russian airpower and Iranian military support, successfully regained complete control of Aleppo after insurgents were ousted following intense operations. However, geopolitical dynamics, including the involvement of various militant groups and external states like Turkey, continue to affect the landscape of the conflict. The recent rebel offensive highlights shifts in power dynamics, particularly due to the reductions in Iranian military support linked to regional conflicts, including those involving Israel.

The recent developments in Aleppo signify a critical turning point in the protracted Syrian conflict. The successful incursion by rebel forces emphasizes the fragile nature of territorial control and the impacts of diminished Iranian support. Amidst rising civilian casualties and international concern, the conflict underscores a need for renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable resolution and safeguarding humanitarian principles. The situation remains fluid, with implications that could alter engagement strategies from key regional and global players involved in the Syrian crisis.

Original Source: www.usatoday.com