A surprise offensive launched by Syrian rebels on November 26 has forced out government forces from areas north and northwest of Aleppo, shifting control lines that have remained mostly frozen since 2020. The attack coincides with a regional power balance shake-up, following more than a year of conflict between Israel and Iran-backed militant groups.
The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has made significant gains in the Idlib region, despite Syrian regime and Russian forces increasing air and artillery attacks. HTS, a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, has been designated as a terrorist group by several countries, including the US, Russia, Turkey, and others.
Iran-backed militia fighters have entered Syria to support government forces, following deadly strikes on hospitals in Aleppo and Idlib from warplanes. This escalation raises concerns about further destabilization in the region, which is already experiencing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
The Syrian civil war has been ongoing since 2011, with over half of the pre-war population forced to flee their homes as refugees. The conflict began as peaceful protests but turned violent after security forces responded with arrests and shootings.
Recent US military strikes against Iran-backed forces in response to an attack that killed an American contractor have added to regional tensions. Arab states have since welcomed Syria back into the Arab League, a move seen as part of President Assad’s regional rehabilitation efforts.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/graphics/SYRIA-SECURITY/MAP/akpeexemjpr