Syria war monitor says rebels control most of Aleppo

AFP | Beirut, Lebanon

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In a dramatic turn in Syria's protracted conflict, rebels have taken control of most of Aleppo, marking the first major assault on the city since 2016. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) faction and its allies overran key government positions, prisons, and infrastructure with minimal resistance.

The Observatory also noted Russian airstrikes targeting the city overnight, the first such action since Aleppo's recapture by government forces nearly eight years ago. At least 16 civilians were killed and 20 injured in the strikes, which reportedly targeted vehicles at a roundabout in the recently captured areas.

The offensive comes amidst a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon, raising concerns about the broader regional implications. Syrian government forces confirmed heavy losses, with dozens of soldiers killed and wounded.

Rebels Bolstered by Reinforcements

Rebel forces have reportedly taken over 80 towns and villages in northern Syria during the latest clashes, pushing death tolls to 327 in just a few days. This includes 183 fighters from HTS and allied factions, 100 government forces, and 44 civilians, according to the Observatory.

HTS, a jihadist alliance tied to al-Qaeda, maintains control over significant portions of Syria's northwest, including parts of Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, and Latakia provinces. Their advances have been supported by significant reinforcements arriving in the region.

Civilian Impact and Regional Dynamics

The recent developments have paralyzed life in Aleppo. Sham FM, a pro-government radio station, reported widespread closures of public and private institutions, with most civilians confined to their homes. The governor and security officials are said to have fled the city center as rebels celebrated their gains.

Turkey, a key player in the region, has demanded an end to Russian bombardments on Idlib, where Ankara wields influence over HTS. Since 2020, the area has been governed by a shaky truce brokered by Turkey and Russia, but the recent escalation threatens to unravel it entirely.

A City in Turmoil

Images and footage from Aleppo depict a city in chaos. Fires raged through parts of the city following airstrikes, while rebels raised their flag at prominent locations, including outside a police building bearing a poster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Speaking from a square in Aleppo, rebel fighter Mohamed Hammadi declared, "We’ve been waiting for this for years. This is to liberate Aleppo and lift oppression against our brothers in the city."

As the situation continues to unfold, the battle for Aleppo has once again become a focal point in Syria's ongoing war, underscoring the conflict's complexity and the fragility of regional stability.