Syrian Rebels Advance into Aleppo as Army Retreats

Saturday 30 November 2024 - 09:39

Syrian rebels have launched a significant offensive, reaching the heart of Aleppo after years of absence, military sources reported. In response, Syrian authorities have closed Aleppo airport and all roads leading to the city to counter the insurgents. The opposition fighters, spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, staged a surprise incursion through government-held towns, marking their most notable presence in Aleppo since their forced withdrawal nearly a decade ago.

Russia, a critical ally of President Bashar al-Assad, has pledged additional military aid to repel the rebel forces. According to military sources, new equipment is expected to arrive within 72 hours. Meanwhile, the Syrian army has been instructed to implement "safe withdrawal" measures from the areas under rebel control, signaling a strategic retreat from key parts of the city.

The rebel offensive began on Wednesday, and by Friday evening, an operations room coordinating the campaign confirmed that opposition forces were advancing through Aleppo’s neighborhoods. This marks their return to the city for the first time since 2016, when Assad's forces, backed by Russia, Iran, and Shi'ite militias, recaptured it after a prolonged siege.

Mustafa Abdul Jaber, a commander in the Jaish al-Izza rebel brigade, attributed the swift advances to the diminished presence of Iran-backed militias in Aleppo province. Recent developments in the region, including intensified Israeli strikes amid the expanding Gaza conflict, have reportedly weakened these militias.

Rebels stated that their campaign was a response to increased airstrikes targeting civilians in Idlib by Russian and Syrian forces. They also aimed to preempt potential attacks from the Syrian army. Opposition figures with ties to Turkish intelligence suggested that Turkey had sanctioned the operation, providing implicit support. However, Oncu Keceli, a spokesperson for Turkey's foreign ministry, emphasized Turkey’s commitment to avoiding further instability and reiterated concerns about violations of de-escalation agreements.

This unexpected escalation underscores the fragility of the region, with Aleppo once again emerging as a focal point in Syria's protracted conflict.