The rebel offensive in Syria, which began last week, continues with great intensity and is undermining the balance of power in the country.
The rebels, who enjoy the support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have managed to take control of large areas of the city of Aleppo, including the historic city citadel, and are waving the Turkish flag as a sign of their victory.
Erdogan's support for the rebels stems from fears of Kurdish autonomy in northern Syria, which could encourage the Kurds in Turkey to demand independence. As a result, Turkey is strengthening its influence in the region through the rebels and is working to maintain a security zone in northern Syria.
The rebels report that they now control most of the city of Aleppo, with the exception of a few neighborhoods that remain in the hands of Kurdish forces. After the victories in the city, the rebels announced their intention to take control of the city of Hama as well. As of this week, the rebels have managed to capture several villages in the area.
However, Assad's forces are not sitting idly by. Reports indicate the arrival of Assad's armored vehicles in the Hama area, and the visit of Assad's army chief of staff, Abd al-Karim Ibrahim, who was sent there to strengthen the fighting spirit of the soldiers. In a speech to the soldiers, he said: "I bless you, I strengthen you and I am with you."
In parallel with the battles around Aleppo and Hama, Assad's army, with the help of the Russian Air Force, launched an attack on the city of Idlib, which is considered a major rebel stronghold. The airstrikes underscore Assad's determination to regain control of areas that have fallen into hostile hands.
* Channel 14 contributed to this article.