ⓒ ABC News Australia
Syrian rebels have launched a major offensive, seizing control of several districts in Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. This stunning development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing Syrian civil war, leaving the city in a precarious state.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that the rebels, including jihadist groups and Turkish-backed factions, captured five districts with minimal resistance from Syrian government forces. The speed and success of the offensive have shocked observers.
In response, Syrian authorities swiftly closed Aleppo airport, halting all flights. Military sources confirmed that the army implemented a controlled withdrawal from certain neighbourhoods, effectively ceding ground to the advancing rebels. Checkpoints around the city were instructed to allow only military personnel passage.
The timing of the offensive coincides with Russia’s air force conducting bombing raids against anti-government forces, reported by Russian state media as an effort to counter extremism. Despite this, two Syrian military sources indicated that Syria has received a promise of additional military aid from Russia to help contain the rebel advance.
The conflict has resulted in a devastating loss of life. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported over 277 deaths, including 28 civilians, many victims of Russian airstrikes. The UN reports over 14,000 people, nearly half of them children, have been displaced by the violence.
Aleppo residents describe a terrifying reality of constant shelling and missile fire, fearing further displacement. The rebels’ advance has included the capture of more than 50 towns and villages, along with military vehicles and weaponry. The rebels’ use of drones in the attacks represents a significant technological upgrade in their capabilities.
The offensive has exploited the current preoccupation of Hezbollah, a key ally of the Syrian government, which is engaged in a separate conflict with Israel. The intense fighting in northwestern Syria is the most significant since 2020.
International reactions have been swift. Iran’s foreign minister labelled the attacks a ‘US-Zionist plan,’ while Russia expressed hope for a swift restoration of order. The rebels themselves claim the offensive aims to facilitate the return of displaced people who have fled government bombardment.
The conflict, which began in 2011 with protests against President Bashar al-Assad, continues to cause widespread suffering and displacement across Syria.
