Iranian-backed militias have entered Syria to bolster Assad’s forces amid renewed conflict with rebels. Recent airstrikes by Russian and Syrian jets have left at least 25 people dead. The jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al Sham has launched a significant offensive, capturing territory including Aleppo, indicating a serious escalation in ongoing hostilities.
Iranian-backed militias have officially infiltrated Syria, marking a significant escalation in the lengthy conflict. These groups, including Katiab Hezbollah and Fatemiyoun, are arriving from Iraq to bolster President Bashar al Assad’s forces as they clash with a resurgent rebel presence in the north. Reports indicate that recent airstrikes conducted by Russian and Syrian jets have resulted in at least 25 civilian casualties in northwest Syria, particularly around the Idlib area. The situation escalated further over the weekend as the jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al Sham led a surprise offensive, capturing substantial territory, including much of Aleppo, previously under government control.
The Syrian civil war, which has raged since 2011, has seen various factions struggle for control, culminating in a complex involvement of international players such as Russia and Iran. These nations have historically supported the Assad government against various insurgent groups. As of December 2024, the conflict has reignited with fresh ground offensives by rebel forces and intensified airstrikes by the Assad regime, suggesting a critical moment in a protracted struggle that has displaced millions and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.
The recent developments in Syria underscore the volatility of the region, with Iranian-backed militias joining forces with Assad’s government amidst heavy Russian air support. As the conflict escalates, the humanitarian implications remain dire, with significant civilian casualties and an influx of violence reminiscent of earlier phases of the war. The ongoing battles in Aleppo and Idlib reflect the complex interplay of local and international interests that have defined the Syrian conflict over the past decade.
Original Source: news.sky.com
