Dozens Killed as Islamist Rebels Launch Major Attack in Aleppo; Syrian Army and Russia Respond

The Syrian army reported on Saturday that dozens of its soldiers were killed in an attack by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Aleppo. This attack marks a significant escalation in the conflict, which had seen largely frozen front lines since 2020. The Syrian government had controlled Aleppo since a major victory in 2016.

HTS, previously known as the Nusra Front, is labeled a terrorist organization by multiple countries, including the US and Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that its air force conducted airstrikes on Syrian rebels, aiding the Syrian army.

The US is monitoring the situation amid concerns from Israeli intelligence about HTS’s advances in Syria. Reports suggested that Israel fears these developments could threaten its security.

The war in Syria, ongoing since 2011, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions displaced. Major fighting decreased after the Assad government regained control with the assistance of Iran and Russia.

In response to the rebel offensive, images from Aleppo depicted rebel fighters celebrating and gathering at strategic locations. The Syrian military confirmed that insurgents had taken over significant portions of Aleppo, including the airport. Airstrikes were conducted to counter this offensive, targeting rebel positions.

Russian officials reported that their strikes in Aleppo and the Idlib region killed around 300 rebel fighters. The conflict is intensifying as Syria faces wider regional instability due to wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

Israeli officials expressed concern that the situation could spill over its borders, although a Syrian rebel fighter claimed that groups like HTS are more focused on fighting Assad, not Israel.

Iran condemned an attack by “terrorist elements” on its consulate in Aleppo, asserting that its staff were safe. The complexities of the Syrian conflict escalated with recent battles and military movements, highlighting the intertwined interests of multiple nations.

Iranian and Turkish officials discussed the situation in an attempt to stabilize Syria, while both nations noted the need for cooperation to address the unfolding conflict.