ⓒ The Canadian Gazette
Rebel forces have reportedly seized control of a significant portion of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitoring group. The offensive, the largest against the Syrian government in years, marks the rebels’ first entry into Aleppo since their expulsion in 2016. The rapid advance, characterized by a lack of significant resistance, has resulted in the closure of Aleppo’s airport and all access roads.
The SOHR reports a staggering death toll of 277, including over 20 civilians, since the offensive began. Videos circulating online, verified by the BBC, show rebel fighters within the city, confirming the SOHR’s claims. However, the Syrian government maintains that it has regained control of several towns in the surrounding Aleppo and Idlib provinces.
The conflict’s impact extends far beyond Aleppo. The ongoing fighting has caused immense suffering, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The UN has expressed deep concern over the escalating hostilities and the high civilian casualty rate, including children as young as eight.
The situation is further complicated by the involvement of various factions, including the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Turkish-backed rebel groups. Russia, a key ally of the Syrian government, has conducted air strikes near Idlib, claiming to target extremist forces. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has voiced support for the Syrian government’s efforts to restore order.
This latest escalation comes amidst regional instability, including an Israeli military campaign in Lebanon that has weakened the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement. The ongoing tensions underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics playing out in the region, with the battle for Aleppo serving as a significant turning point in the protracted Syrian civil war.
