Rebels have made significant gains in Syria’s second city, Aleppo, reclaiming nearly all of the city in a surprise offensive that has left the Assad regime uncertain. The rebels’ capture of Aleppo marks a symbolic and strategic victory, as it reverses a turning point in the war that pushed the conflict in Assad’s favor.
The Syrian civil war began in 2011 during the Arab Spring, after Assad cracked down on anti-government protests. Over 14 million Syrians have been displaced, with millions becoming refugees abroad, according to the United Nations. The conflict has claimed over 600,000 lives, as estimated by human rights group SOHR.
The rebels, a coalition of armed groups backed by Turkey and the US, launched an offensive last week and recaptured nearly all of Aleppo by Friday. The latest battles took place Tuesday near Hama city, where the rebels claimed to have liberated three towns north of the city. However, Russian and Syrian airstrikes targeted the area.
The Syrian government has been reinforcing its forces in the north of Hama in preparation for a counterattack. State media reported that some territory was recaptured by government forces on Tuesday.
Russian and Iranian officials pledged support for the Assad regime on Monday, while Turkey urged Assad to hold talks with opposition groups. The rebels are now just 6 miles from Hama city.
The opposition fighters are a patchwork of rebel groups, united under the leadership of Hayat Tahrir ash-Sham (HTS) and backed by Turkey. Syrian National Army (SNA) forces, also backed by Turkey, have captured the city of Tel Rifaat. However, Kurdish-led militias, backed by the US, claim to have captured seven villages from government control.
The fresh offensive comes as Assad’s main backers are embroiled in other conflicts, weakening their ability to respond effectively. The US has urged de-escalation and closely monitored the situation, with no apparent involvement in the rebel campaign.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2024/12/03/syria-war-rebel-offensive