A years-long dormant Syrian civil war has reignited with an unexpected offensive by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, challenging the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo in a significant manner. Such resurgence of conflict has provoked responses from Syrian and Russian forces that have killed people and unleashed a new wave of destruction.
Rebels Launch Surprise Attack in Aleppo
HTS fighters made a surprise incursion into Aleppo earlier this week, sweeping through government-controlled towns and reaching the outskirts of the city. This is the first major challenge for insurgents in the city since the government reclaimed it in 2016. The Syrian authorities responded to the situation by closing the Aleppo airport and closing the roads leading into the city. Reports have emerged of the Syrian army making tactical withdrawals from some of the key areas that the rebels infiltrated.
Airstrikes Devastate Rebel-Held Areas
In retaliation, Syrian and Russian warplanes targeted rebel positions in Aleppo suburbs and the nearby province of Idlib. The Syrian Civil Defense, an opposition-operated rescue group, reported that airstrikes hit residential neighbourhoods, a petrol station, and a school in Idlib, leaving four civilians dead and six others injured.
Russia, a staunch ally of Assad since deploying forces in 2015, has pledged additional military aid to Damascus, expected to arrive within days. The Kremlin condemned the rebel offensive as a breach of Syria’s sovereignty, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterating support for the Assad regime to restore order.
Turkey-Backed Rebel Alliance Bolsters Offensive
The HTS operation is reportedly backed by a coalition of Turkish-supported factions, operating under a unified command structure. The insurgents have vowed to intensify their campaign, challenging the government’s stronghold in Aleppo.
Historical Context and Current Implications
Aleppo, once a major battleground in the civil war, fell to Assad’s forces in 2016 after months of siege and relentless bombardment, aided by Russian air power and Iranian-backed militias. Despite losing control of Aleppo city, rebel groups have maintained strongholds in nearby Idlib and along the Turkish border.
This renewed escalation threatens to undo years of relative stability in the region and underscores the lingering volatility of the Syrian conflict. Both sides now face mounting casualties as the battle for Aleppo reignites old wounds and global tensions.
