Information on the attack by armed groups in Aleppo and its regional response

Armed opposition groups in northern Syria have taken control of several neighborhoods in Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city and its economic hub. The neighborhoods invaded include al-Hamdania, New Aleppo, 3000 Apartments, al-Jamilya, and Salah al-Din. This move follows attacks launched two days earlier, targeting villages and towns in Aleppo’s western and southern countryside.

On Friday morning, the armed groups opened a third offensive axis, capturing the city of Saraqeb, located on the strategic M4 international highway in Idlib’s countryside. These groups include Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, previously known as the al-Nusra Front, as well as other factions supported by Turkey. They aim to counter the threats posed by Syrian government forces and Iranian militias.

In response, the Syrian government announced its efforts to repel the attacks and labeled the groups as “armed terrorist organizations.” A statement from the defense ministry noted the use of heavy weapons and drones by the opposition during their assault.

The conflict in this region involves agreements between Turkey, Russia, and Iran, known as the “de-escalation” process. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry underscored the importance of maintaining calm in Idlib and warned that recent attacks threaten the Astana Agreement, which aims to stabilize the region. The Russian government described the attack as a violation of Syrian sovereignty and called for quick restoration of order.

The recent advances by opposition groups challenge the agreements made in Sochi in 2020 and the boundaries established in the Astana process in 2019. They have reasserted control over key areas lost in previous years, such as al-Hadar and the 47th Regiment. If the opposition consolidates its hold on Aleppo, it would mark a significant shift in the military landscape since the conflict began in 2011.

Activists have shared videos on social media showing armored vehicles and fighters entering the neighborhoods of Hamdania and New Aleppo. The Syrian government has not commented on these developments.