Richard Parks Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters launched a surprise assault on Aleppo, entering Syria’s second city for the first time in years. Starting from their base in Idlib, rebels swiftly captured dozens of towns and villages around the city. They also seized a military base, weapons, and tanks from government forces. Reports indicated that HTS forces had advanced within five miles of Aleppo’s center.
The rapid offensive caught government forces off guard. “The regime’s defenses crumbled faster than anyone anticipated,” said Dareen Khalifa of the International Crisis Group. Syrian airstrikes retaliated with at least 125 attacks, killing 12 civilians and displacing 14,000 people. Rebel forces, however, remain entrenched in the newly seized areas as Damascus scrambles for reinforcements.
Regional Tensions Add to Crisis
The Syrian government expects Russian military support within days to counter the offensive. Meanwhile, Turkey, which has backed some rebel groups, called for calm, stressing the importance of civilian safety. The renewed conflict comes at a time of heightened instability in the region, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian forces in Syria and escalating tensions in Lebanon.
“The Russians are distracted by Ukraine, and Iranian forces are overstretched,” Khalifa explained. “The rebels see an opportunity.” However, the long-term viability of their gains remains uncertain as both sides prepare for further conflict.
As fighting rages, millions in rebel-held areas face worsening conditions, with health services and infrastructure disrupted. The outcome of this latest offensive will likely reshape the fragile power balance in Syria.