In a dramatic escalation of Syria's long-standing civil war, the Syrian army reported on Saturday that dozens of its soldiers were killed as rebels launched a major surprise attack on the northwestern city of Aleppo. The offensive, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), marks the most significant challenge to President Bashar al-Assad's rule in years.
The rebel forces swept into Aleppo from insurgent-held areas near the Turkish border, capturing large parts of the city that had been fully under government control since 2016. The Syrian army acknowledged the rebel advance and announced plans for a counteroffensive to reclaim the city.
Rebels Reclaim Ground in Aleppo
Images from Aleppo’s Saadallah al-Jabiri Square showed jubilant rebel fighters celebrating their return, with a billboard of President Assad in the background. “I am the son of Aleppo, and was displaced from it eight years ago, in 2016. Thank God we just returned. It is an indescribable feeling,” said Ali Jumbaa, a rebel fighter, in televised footage.
The Syrian army stated that its forces had carried out a tactical redeployment to strengthen defensive positions and protect civilians while preparing for a counterattack. The army vowed to "expel [the insurgents] and restore the control of the state ... over the entire city and its countryside."
Broader Gains for Rebels in Idlib
The offensive extended beyond Aleppo, with rebels reportedly capturing the city of Maraat al-Numan in Idlib province. If confirmed, this would place all of Idlib under rebel control—a major setback for Assad's forces. Rebel sources said the advance was facilitated by a lack of Iran-backed fighters to support government forces in the region.
The fighting has reignited the Syrian conflict, which had been relatively stagnant since a 2020 ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey. The resurgence of violence comes as the broader Middle East grapples with concurrent conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
Russian and Iranian Involvement
Russian and Syrian warplanes launched strikes on Saturday targeting insurgents in Aleppo’s suburbs, according to military sources. Russia, a key ally of Assad, condemned the rebel offensive as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and pledged additional military aid to Damascus within 72 hours.
Meanwhile, Iran accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the attack. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi blamed the offensive on Western interference, emphasizing the strain on Iran-backed forces in Aleppo due to recent Israeli strikes amid the Gaza conflict.
Turkey’s Role in the Offensive
Rebel factions, some backed by Turkey, claimed that Ankara had signaled approval for the operation. Turkey’s foreign ministry called for restraint, expressing concern over rising regional tensions and warning that continued escalation undermines existing de-escalation agreements.
Humanitarian Concerns
The renewed fighting has taken a toll on civilians. The Syrian Civil Defense reported airstrikes by Russian and Syrian forces in Idlib, hitting residential areas, a school, and a gas station. The strikes reportedly killed four civilians and injured six others.
Amid the chaos, Aleppo airport and major roads leading to the city have been closed, with government forces instructed to withdraw safely from areas overtaken by rebels.
Implications
The rebel offensive in Aleppo underscores the fragile state of Syria's conflict, which continues to be shaped by regional and international players. The resurgence of hostilities threatens to destabilize not only Syria but also the wider region, as competing alliances vie for influence amid ongoing crises in Gaza and Lebanon.
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