Syria's largest city Aleppo has fallen to opposition forces, marking the biggest shift in the country's power dynamics since 2016. Multiple rebel groups, including both jihadist and Kurdish forces, have successfully taken control of the city from Assad's government forces.
The operation appears to have caught Syrian government forces off guard, with rebels encountering surprisingly minimal resistance as they moved through the city. The main force behind the offensive is Tahrir al-Sham, formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, though various other opposition groups are now controlling different sections of the city.
Evidence of the takeover is spreading across social media, with videos showing rebels posing with captured military aircraft. The rebels have also seized control of Aleppo's civilian airport, significantly expanding their strategic hold over the city's infrastructure.
The offensive extends beyond Aleppo itself. Rebel forces, many affiliated with al-Qaeda, have pushed toward the city of Hama, capturing several northern villages with minimal opposition. Military analysts suggest this wasn't a spontaneous uprising but rather a carefully planned operation that somehow escaped detection by Syrian, Russian, and Iranian intelligence services.
Regional Response:
- Iran has publicly blamed Israel for orchestrating the rebellion
- Russia has begun launching counterattacks against rebel positions
- Syria's President Assad issued a brief statement vowing to "defend Syria's stability and territorial integrity against terrorists"
- Turkey appears to be playing a complex role, with reports suggesting both pro-Turkish fighters and Kurdish forces are participating in the offensive
Current Situation on the Ground:
- Rebels claim complete control of Idlib province in northwest Syria
- Schools and government offices in Aleppo are closed
- Rebel forces have deployed security personnel throughout the city to prevent looting
- Local residents are largely remaining in their homes
- Rebel groups are attempting to reassure civilians, with footage showing fighters near Aleppo's medieval citadel promising safety to local residents
Looking Ahead:
Russia and Iran, Assad's main allies, are reportedly preparing a major counter-offensive, with plans for heavy bombardment of Aleppo to attempt to dislodge rebel forces. This development represents the most significant challenge to Assad's control since he regained Aleppo in 2016, with potential implications for the entire region's stability.
Kikar Hashabbat contributed to this article.
