Rebel Gains in Aleppo Trigger Renewed Conflict in Syria
Syrian rebels captured Aleppo from government forces, reigniting the civil war after years of relative calm. The offensive, initiated on November 26, resulted in significant territorial changes in Hama province. The Syrian government, backed by Russia, has promised to fight back, escalating the conflict which has already claimed hundreds of thousands of lives since 2011. The rebel forces include Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army.
The recent capture of Aleppo by Syrian rebels has reignited the civil war, fundamentally altering the region’s dynamics. On November 26, the rebels launched a surprise offensive, ultimately forcing government forces out of the city over November 29-30. This marks a significant shift, as it is the first time control of Aleppo has changed since 2016 when Assad’s forces, with the help of Russia and Iran, regained control over its eastern districts. The rebel movement has also successfully advanced in nearby areas, capturing important territories in Hama province.
The Syrian government has vowed to retaliate, supported by Russia’s airstrikes, reaffirming their commitment to assist President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The escalating violence represents one of the most severe developments in the Syrian conflict in years, which has already resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and the displacement of over half of Syria’s pre-war population of 23 million since the war erupted in 2011.
The rebels involved in this offensive include Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously known as the Nusra Front, which was affiliated with al-Qaeda until 2016. Under the leadership of Abu Mohammed al-Golani, HTS has maintained dominance in the Idlib region, even as Assad’s forces regained territory elsewhere. A separate coalition of rebels, backed by Turkey, has also initiated attacks from the northern fringes of Aleppo under the banner of the Syrian National Army.
The renewed conflict has emerged amid a backdrop of geopolitical shifts, particularly influenced by ongoing regional tensions involving Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan noted that the weakening of Assad’s key backers due to their involvement in other conflicts has created an opportunity for rebel forces to capitalize on the precarious situation. Meanwhile, Turkey expressed frustration with Assad’s inaction towards negotiations with opposition groups, emphasizing the need for compromise.
Since the U.N. Security Council’s 2015 resolution aimed at resolving the conflict, there has been little progress toward peace. Geir Pedersen, the U.N. Syria envoy, remarked that the current escalation highlights a collective failure to initiate a political process, calling for meaningful negotiations to address the enduring crisis in Syria.
The Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011, has its roots in the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime during the Arab Spring. Over the years, the dynamics of the conflict have changed as various factions, foreign powers, and terrorist groups have entered the fray. Control of key cities like Aleppo has shifted hands multiple times, influenced by military interventions from nations such as Russia and Turkey. Despite several attempts at peace negotiations, the conflict has led to catastrophic humanitarian crises, with millions displaced internally and as refugees abroad.
The recapture of Aleppo by Syrian rebels has reignited a dormant civil war, showcasing the evolving power dynamics within the region. With ongoing military support from Russia for the Syrian government, and rebel efforts to exploit shifting geopolitical alliances, the conflict exhibits signs of escalating violence. The need for renewed diplomatic efforts is imperative, given the raised stakes for international players involved. Ultimately, the lack of a viable peace process hinders any prospect of resolution amidst the continuing humanitarian disaster.
Original Source: www.france24.com
