Syrian and Russian air forces launched airstrikes on Thursday targeting rebel-held areas in northwest Syria, near the Turkish border, in an effort to push back a significant rebel offensive. The attack came after Islamist militants from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched an offensive in the region, seizing territory for the first time in years.
The assault, which began on Wednesday, saw HTS fighters advance through a dozen towns and villages in Aleppo province, a key region controlled by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This marks the largest escalation since March 2020, when a ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey ended years of fierce fighting, displacing millions of Syrians.
The Syrian army responded to the attack by claiming significant losses inflicted on the “terrorists” and reaffirming its cooperation with Russian forces to regain the lost territory. The military also cited the involvement of unnamed “friendly forces” in the counteroffensive.
Rebel fighters managed to push nearly 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Aleppo’s outskirts and approached the Shi’ite towns of Nubl and Zahra, where Hezbollah, backed by Iran, maintains a strong presence. The rebels also launched attacks on al-Nayrab airport, which houses pro-Iranian militia outposts.
The offensive appears to be a response to the increasing airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces against civilian areas in southern Idlib. Rebel leaders claimed the move was also intended to preempt an anticipated Syrian army assault, which they believe is building in strength along the frontlines.
According to Turkish security sources, the initial rebel operation was prompted by Syrian government attacks, but expanded after government forces withdrew from certain positions. Despite these moves, the offensive stayed within a de-escalation zone in Idlib established in 2019 by Russia, Iran, and Turkey to reduce hostilities.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense stated that it is closely monitoring the situation in northern Syria, where Turkish troops are stationed, and has taken steps to ensure their security.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group listed as a terrorist organization by both the United States and Turkey, has been a key target for Syrian and Russian forces for years. The group, along with other Turkish-backed rebels, controls much of the area along the Turkish-Syrian border.
Since the start of the year, rebels report over 80 civilian casualties due to drone strikes on rebel-held areas. The Syrian government, however, maintains that it is fighting against al-Qaeda-inspired militants and denies accusations of targeting civilians.
As the situation intensifies, the future of Syria’s last major rebel-held territory, home to over three million people, remains uncertain, with both sides vying for control amid broader regional conflicts.
