Syrian Rebels Launch Surprise Offensive to Retake Aleppo

Syrian rebels have launched a surprise offensive in Aleppo, reclaiming territory nearly a decade after being ousted. The advance is attributed to reduced Iranian-backed forces. The United Nations reports significant civilian casualties, raising alarms. Kremlin officials condemned the attacks, emphasizing the need for Syrian sovereignty to be maintained amidst rising tensions.

Syrian rebels have reportedly advanced into the center of Aleppo through a sudden offensive against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, marking a significant development nearly a decade after they were initially ousted from the city. The rebel factions, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, initiated their assault on a number of towns in northern Aleppo province, which had been under government control. The rebels achieved rapid progress and claimed to be maneuvering across several neighborhoods by late Friday, drawing attention to the potential shifts in territorial control in the region.

The swift advance of the rebels has been attributed to a reduction in manpower from Iran and its allied groups, particularly in light of recent confrontations with Israel that have weakened their operational capacity. Despite the escalating situation, Syrian state media have contested claims of rebel success, asserting that the government military continues to engage with insurgent forces and inflict substantial losses. The international community, represented by the United Nations, has expressed deep concern regarding the rising toll of civilian casualties amid the conflict resurgence, with reports indicating that at least 27 civilians have lost their lives in the ongoing violence.

Simultaneously, Kremlin authorities have denounced the insurgent actions as a breach of Syria’s sovereignty and underscored the necessity for the Assad regime to swiftly restore order. Amidst these developments, concerns over regional stability and the humanitarian impact remain prevalent, prompting calls for adherence to international humanitarian law to protect civilian lives in the conflict zones.

The city of Aleppo has been a crucial battleground throughout the Syrian civil war, which began in March 2011 and has devastated the region. In late 2016, the Assad government, supported by Iran and Russia, regained full control of Aleppo after a protracted siege that forced rebel groups to withdraw. The current resurgence of rebel forces, primarily organized under Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, reflects shifting dynamics influenced by regional geopolitical tensions, particularly the changing landscape of support and military involvement from foreign powers. The conflict has had severe humanitarian consequences, with civilians facing immense risks amid military engagements, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention and support.

In summary, the recent resurgence of rebel forces in Aleppo indicates a significant shift in the ongoing Syrian conflict, underscoring vulnerabilities within the Assad regime and its allies. The swift advances made by opposition fighters have caught the attention of the international community, revealing the need for vigilance in protecting civilian populations. As hostilities escalate, the situation could further destabilize the region, necessitating urgent diplomatic efforts to restore peace and ensure adherence to humanitarian laws.

Original Source: www.usatoday.com