Syrian rebel forces have seized control of much of the country’s northwest region, upending the long-stagnant civil war. The attack, which began last week, saw rebels capture major cities such as Aleppo and Hama, as well as military bases and several towns and villages. This marks a significant shift in the conflict, with President Bashar al-Assad’s government dominating much of the country for nearly 14 years.
The war began in 2011 after Assad brutally crushed antigovernment protests. Initially, rebels took control of much of the northwest, but were later pushed back by extremist groups like the Islamic State and pro-Assad forces. The Islamic State expanded its territory in 2014, but was ultimately defeated with US-led airstrikes. Pro-Assad forces recaptured Aleppo in 2016 and have since controlled large parts of Syria.
Meanwhile, Kurdish-led forces became a key player in the conflict, routing the Islamic State from much of northeastern Syria. However, their control has been threatened by Turkish military operations across the border, which aimed to take back territory held by the Kurds.
The latest rebel offensive marks a significant turning point in the war, with rebels seizing large areas of the northwest region. The implications for the conflict and its various parties remain unclear, but this shift is likely to have far-reaching consequences.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/12/06/world/middleeast/syria-war-maps-control.html