Airstrikes on Aleppo: At Least 16 Civilians Dead Amid Ongoing Rebel Offensive
Airstrikes targeted rebel positions in Syria, likely backed by Russia, an ally of President Bashar al-Assad. At least 16 civilians died, and 20 others were injured.
The rebel offensive against Assad’s government, supported by Iran and Russia, began on Wednesday, the same day a ceasefire between Israel and the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah took effect. Footage from Aleppo shows armed men around the historic citadel, which suffered damage during the lengthy Syrian conflict. Gunfire is audible in the city, and rebels claim they are liberating Aleppo.
A rebel fighter, Muhammad Al Abdo, expressed deep emotions, recalling his older brother’s death in Aleppo 13 years ago. He stated, "It is an indescribable feeling. Thank God! Thank God!"
The rebels have rapidly gained ground, breaking through government lines and reportedly capturing most of Aleppo. They gained control of Aleppo International Airport for the first time on Saturday.
Government forces announced a temporary withdrawal from the city to prepare for a counterattack. As they advanced toward Aleppo, jihadists and their allies now control over 50 towns and villages in northern Syria.
The Assad regime, alongside its Russian ally, has started counter-strikes, bombarding positions held by jihadists, resulting in civilian casualties. The volunteer rescue organization "White Helmets" is searching for survivors in the debris from Russian airstrikes and helping those attempting to flee.
Analysts express surprise that Assad’s loyal forces, backed by Russia, did not respond more aggressively despite warnings about a potential rebel attack for months. The UK-based "Syrian Observatory for Human Rights" reported 311 deaths in the fighting, mostly among combatants, but there are civilian casualties as well.
The historical city of Aleppo faces new challenges after enduring severe battles and destruction in the past conflict, which began as a civil war and escalated over years into widespread violence among numerous factions.
The UN has expressed concern over civilian casualties and the thousands who have fled, while Moscow reiterated its support for Assad’s regime, promising to help restore order swiftly.
The rebel attack coincided with a broader geopolitical context, starting on the day Israel and Hezbollah announced a ceasefire. Hezbollah fighters have long assisted Assad’s forces alongside Russia, while Israel has conducted strikes against these rebels in Syria.
Russia’s presence in the region has diminished as its attention largely shifts to the war in Ukraine. Furthermore, Iran appears weakened, and Turkey may assume a more significant role.
In response to the rebel attack, Moscow expressed hope that Assad’s forces would soon restore order. Iran attributed the turmoil to conspiracies by Israel and the US intending to destabilize the region. Turkey urged an end to strikes against rebel-held areas in Syria, particularly around Idlib, which face bombardment from Syrian and Russian aircraft.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the situation in Syria with his Iranian counterpart, Abas Araqchi. Both sides are extremely concerned about the rebel offensive.
Caroline Rouza from the Washington-based "New Lines Institute" suggested that the rebel assault might be an attempt to force Assad’s regime into negotiations from a position of weakness. The swift progress of Islamist rebels also highlights the regime’s vulnerabilities and neglect.
Context: In early 2011, people in several North African and Middle Eastern countries rose against long-standing autocrats, known as the "Arab Spring." This led to the ousting of undemocratic leaders in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen.
Syria’s citizens also protested against President Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled for over ten years. He sent the army to suppress dissent brutally, prompting opposition figures to take up arms. This led to the Syrian civil war, where Assad’s loyal forces battled numerous rebel groups, often at odds with each other. The power vacuum allowed the jihadist group ISIS to gain significant territory. All parties involved in the conflict have faced accusations of war crimes and severe human rights violations.