Assad Threatens Force After Losing Control of Aleppo
Assad Vows ‘Force’ as Opposition Seizes Control of Aleppo
Aleppo, Syria – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed too use “force” to quell what he calls “terrorism” after opposition groups captured the country’s second-largest city, Aleppo.The stunning offensive marks a major turning point in the ongoing Syrian civil war.
in a statement released on his Telegram account Sunday, Assad, speaking during a call with an Abkhaz official, declared, ”terrorism onyl understands the language of power and this is the language we will crush and eliminate, whoever it is, are supporters and patrons.”
This statement follows a series of calls Assad made on Saturday to the leaders of the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, where he asserted Syria’s ability, with the help of its allies, to defeat what he termed “terrorists,” regardless of the intensity of their attacks.
The president’s pronouncements come in the wake of an unprecedented offensive launched by armed opposition groups, resulting in the seizure of aleppo and its international airport.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Sunday that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham now controls all of Idlib province, except for some areas in the far east, and that aleppo is also under their control, with the exception of Kurdish-held areas.
In response to the opposition advance, Russian and Syrian warplanes launched a series of airstrikes targeting various locations in Idlib province Sunday morning.
the White Helmets, a humanitarian organization operating in opposition-held areas, reported that a Syrian government airstrike targeted Aleppo University Hospital Sunday afternoon. The organization also stated that 15 civilians were killed in other attacks in aleppo on Saturday.
Both the armed groups and the Syrian regime have remained silent regarding their respective military and humanitarian losses. The Syrian government has effectively abandoned its position in Aleppo.
According to the latest figures from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the fighting that began four days ago has claimed the lives of 372 people, including civilians and soldiers.
Russia Claims Hundreds of Militants Killed
Separately, Russia announced that missile and bomb attacks had killed “at least 300 militants” in northern Syria. Oleg Ignasiuk, deputy head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria, attributed these casualties to attacks launched by armed opposition groups.
The situation in Aleppo remains volatile, with the outcome of the conflict hanging in the balance. The international community watches closely as the Syrian civil war enters a new and potentially decisive phase.
Aleppo Falls: Expert Weighs In on Assad’s Vow of ‘force’ and Opposition Advance
NewsDirectory3.com spoke with dr. Sarah Hassan, an expert on Middle eastern politics and conflict resolution, to get her analysis of the rapidly unfolding situation in Syria following the opposition’s capture of Aleppo.
NewsDirectory3: Dr. Hassan, the opposition’s seizure of Aleppo is being called a major turning point in the Syrian Civil War. What are your initial thoughts on the significance of this event?
Dr. Hassan: This is undoubtedly a watershed moment. Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city and a former commercial hub, has long been a symbol of the broader conflict. Its fall represents a notable strategic and symbolic victory for the opposition.
NewsDirectory3: President Assad has responded with a vow to use “force” to quell what he calls ”terrorism.” what does this statement indicate about the regime’s strategy moving forward?
Dr. hassan: Assad’s rhetoric reflects a hardening of his position and a potential escalation of the conflict. With the loss of Aleppo, the regime’s grip on power appears increasingly tenuous. The promise of “force” suggests a reliance on brutal tactics and heavy military intervention, which could lead to further bloodshed and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
NewsDirectory3: Russia has also been actively involved in the Syrian conflict, launching airstrikes in response to the opposition advance. What role do you see Russia playing in the coming weeks and months?
Dr.Hassan: Russia’s military support for the Assad regime remains crucial.It’s likely they will continue to provide airpower and logistical support, striving to prevent a complete collapse of the regime. However,the effectiveness of Russian intervention in reversing the opposition’s gains remains to be seen.
NewsDirectory3: The humanitarian situation in Aleppo has been dire for years. What impact will the recent fighting and the city’s capture have on the civilian population?
Dr. Hassan: The situation is already catastrophic. The fighting has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement. The capture of Aleppo by opposition groups raises concerns about potential reprisals against civilians perceived to be loyal to the regime. The lack of access to humanitarian aid will exacerbate the suffering of the population.
NewsDirectory3: What are your predictions for the trajectory of the Syrian conflict in the wake of this development?
dr. hassan: It’s tough to predict with certainty, but the fall of Aleppo suggests a potential turning point.The opposition’s momentum could embolden them to push for further territorial gains. We may see a more fractured Syrian landscape with competing power centers. The international community must now redouble its efforts to broker a ceasefire and facilitate a political solution to prevent further bloodshed and humanitarian catastrophe.