Syria, Russia Conduct Deadly Strikes to Push Back Rebel Advance
Syrian Rebels Seize Aleppo in Stunning Offensive, Prompting Deadly Russian-syrian Airstrikes
Aleppo, Syria - in a dramatic turn of events, Islamist-led rebels have captured the strategic city of Aleppo, marking a meaningful blow to Syrian President Bashar al-assad’s regime. The lightning offensive, launched last week by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and allied factions, has sent shockwaves through the war-torn nation and prompted a fierce response from Syrian and russian forces.
The fall of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city and a symbol of the brutal civil war, represents a major setback for Assad, who has been battling rebel groups since 2011.
“For the first time since the civil war started more than a decade ago, the country’s second city is out of control of Syrian regime forces,” said Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Videos circulating online show jubilant rebels patrolling the streets of Aleppo, some setting fire to Syrian flags and raising the green, red, black, and white flag of the revolution. While the streets appear mostly deserted, some residents can be seen cheering for the advancing fighters.
The rebel advance has been met with deadly airstrikes. On Monday, joint Syrian and Russian air raids targeted areas in Idlib province, killing 11 civilians, including five children, according to the Observatory.”The strikes targeted… displaced families living on the edge of a displacement camp,” said Hussein Ahmed khudur, a 45-year-old teacher who fled fighting in Aleppo province. He lost his student and four of his sisters in the attack.Russia, a key ally of Assad, has vowed to continue supporting the Syrian government. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, “We of course continue to support Bashar al-Assad and we continue contacts at the appropriate levels, we are analyzing the situation.”
Iran, another staunch supporter of Assad, has also reaffirmed its commitment.Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei confirmed the presence of Iranian military advisors in Syria, stating, “Our military advisers were present in syria, and they are still present.”
Though, the effectiveness of these alliances is being questioned. Russia is preoccupied with its war in Ukraine, and Iran’s militant allies Hezbollah and hamas have been weakened by their ongoing conflict with Israel.
Experts warn that the rebel advance exposes the fragility of Assad’s regime. Aaron Stein, president of the U.S.-based Foreign Policy Research Institute, noted, “russia’s presence has thinned out considerably and quick reaction air strikes have limited utility.” He called the rebel advance “a reminder of how weak the regime is.”
The United States and its allies have called for de-escalation and the protection of civilians. The U.S. maintains a military presence in northeast Syria as part of an anti-jihadist coalition.
Meanwhile, pro-Turkey factions in northern Syria have exploited the chaos, attacking Kurdish fighters in Aleppo province and seizing the strategic town of Tal Rifaat. in response, a U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led force in Syria announced plans to evacuate Kurds around Aleppo to safer areas.the situation in Syria remains highly volatile,with the future of Aleppo and the broader conflict hanging in the balance. The rebel capture of Aleppo is a significant turning point, raising questions about the future of Assad’s regime and the potential for further escalation.
Analysis: A Stunning Blow to Assad as Rebels Seize Aleppo
NewsDirectory3.com – The dramatic fall of Aleppo to Islamist-led rebels marks a watershed moment in the Syrian civil war, raising serious questions about the future of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
To understand the significance of this event, we spoke with Aaron Stein, president of the U.S.-based Foreign Policy Research Institute.
ND3: Mr. Stein, the capture of Aleppo by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions is being described as a major setback for Assad. Can you elaborate on the strategic importance of this victory for the rebels?
Stein: The fall of Aleppo is a serious blow to the regime. It demonstrates just how fragile Assad’s control over the country really is. For the first time since the war started over a decade ago, the country’s second city is out of the regime’s hands.
ND3: Russia and Iran have been staunch allies of Assad throughout the conflict. How might this development impact their support for his regime?
Stein: Russia’s presence in Syria has undoubtedly thinned out due to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While they are still committed to supporting Assad, their ability to project power and provide effective air support has been limited. Iran,too,faces challenges with its militant allies Hezbollah and Hamas bogged down in their own conflicts.
ND3: The rebel offensive has been met with deadly airstrikes targeting civilians.What does this tell us about the potential for further escalation in the conflict?
Stein: The airstrikes are a clear indication that the situation remains extremely volatile. The international community must act swiftly to de-escalate the violence and ensure the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire.
ND3: What are the possible implications of this event for the broader Syrian conflict and the future of Assad’s regime?
Stein: This is a major turning point in the war. The rebel capture of Aleppo exposes the weaknesses of the Assad regime and raises serious questions about its long-term viability. We may see further attempts by rebel groups to capitalize on this momentum and seize control of othre strategic areas.