ⓒ ABC News Australia
Syrian rebels have launched a stunning offensive, seizing control of several districts in Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. The attack, described as the most significant in years, has caught the Syrian army off guard, leading to the closure of Aleppo airport and widespread disruption. According to reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, the rebels, including jihadist groups and Turkish-backed factions, advanced rapidly, encountering minimal resistance.
The Syrian army responded by closing major roads in and out of Aleppo, implementing a controlled withdrawal of troops from affected areas. This effectively sealed the city, restricting entry and exit to military personnel only. The offensive has resulted in heavy casualties, with the war monitor reporting over 270 deaths, including civilians killed in Russian airstrikes. The fighting has displaced thousands of civilians, adding to the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The rebels’ advance has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation of the conflict. The rebels’ use of drones in the attack represents a new strategic element, signaling a shift in the dynamics of the war. The conflict is further complicated by the involvement of regional powers, with Russia pledging additional military support to the Syrian government, while Iran, already embroiled in conflict with Israel, sees its influence in Syria threatened.
The situation in Aleppo is critical, with reports of intense shelling and widespread fear among the civilian population. The international community is watching closely, as the resurgence of rebel activity threatens to destabilize the region and undo years of progress in the Syrian civil war. The ongoing conflict raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the civilian population, and the future of peace in Syria remains uncertain.
