Rebels Capture Aleppo: A Historic Shift in Syria’s Ongoing Conflict

Anti-government fighters launched a significant attack in Aleppo, Syria, on November 29, 2024. The group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), supported by Turkish-backed allies, broke through government defenses. This marked a major challenge to President Bashar al-Assad’s forces after years of stability in the region. The Syrian army reported that numerous soldiers were killed during the assault.

In response, Russia conducted airstrikes against the rebels. These strikes aimed to support Assad’s military and counter the insurgent advance. The situation escalated as HTS gained ground, capturing parts of Aleppo and taking control of the airport. HTS is labeled a terrorist organization by several countries, including the U.S., Russia, and Turkey.

The U.S. National Security Council indicated that it was monitoring the situation closely. Spokesman Sean Savett emphasized that the U.S. had no involvement in the rebel offensive and called for de-escalation and a renewed political process under the 2015 U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254.

The Syrian Civil War began in 2011 and has led to immense loss of life and people displaced. Most significant conflict had subsided by 2020, thanks to Iranian and Russian support for Assad. However, the recent rebel actions have reignited hostilities in the region.

In discussions between Russia and Turkey, both sides expressed concerns about the escalating violence. They agreed on the need to coordinate efforts to stabilize Syria. Meanwhile, Iran suggested that the attacks were part of a broader plan by the U.S. and Israel to destabilize the region.

The Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), aligned with U.S. forces, expanded their presence in Aleppo as government troops withdrew. Rebel commander Mustafa Abdul Jaber noted that the rapid progress was due to the lack of Iran-backed support for Assad’s regime.

The fighting in Aleppo reflects the ongoing conflict amidst unrest in Gaza and Lebanon. It highlights the intertwining conflicts and alliances in the region, where various factions vie for control.