The Syrian civil war has intensified with a rebel offensive in Aleppo, marking a critical shift in territorial control. This development occurs amidst ongoing conflicts involving Iranian-backed groups in the region. The leading faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has complicated the dynamics, especially considering the historical context of Aleppo’s significance and past sieges. The situation could alter the balance of power amid fears of increased regional instability.
The prolonged civil war in Syria has intensified following a surprise offensive by rebel forces in Aleppo, a historic city and significant commercial center. This recent assault marks the first opposition attack on Aleppo since 2016, during which the city came under Syrian government control with support from Russian military operations. The ongoing conflict has implications that extend beyond Syria’s borders, particularly in the context of regional stability.
The renewed violence in Aleppo poses risks of opening new confrontations in the Middle East, especially given existing tensions involving U.S.-backed Israel and Iranian-allied groups such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Robert Ford, former U.S. ambassador to Syria, noted that the recent Israeli military actions have created a void that rebels have exploited to regain territory.
Aleppo’s significance is underscored by the humanitarian toll of the war, which has claimed around half a million lives, resulting in millions of refugees impacting European political landscapes. The areas outside Assad’s control feature a diverse coalition of opposition entities and foreign military forces, including approximately 900 U.S. troops stationed in northeastern Syria. Changes in territorial control now threaten to alter the position of opposing factions.
The group spearheading the Aleppo offensive is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has been designated as a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and U.N. Its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has a contentious history but has sought to distance himself from al-Qaida associations in recent years, presenting a more moderate image.
Aleppo has been a trade and cultural hub for millennia, with a pre-war population of around 2.3 million. The city was initially captured by rebels in 2012, but the tide turned in 2016 when government forces reclaimed it with the help of Russian airstrikes. This intervention was pivotal in consolidating Assad’s control over the majority of Syrian territory. Recent Israeli airstrikes in Aleppo primarily targeted Hezbollah strongholds and Syrian military assets, aiming to disrupt the Iranian influence in the region.
The recent rebel advancements in Aleppo underscore a significant escalation in Syria’s 13-year civil war, with potential regional ramifications. The dynamics of territorial control could shift dramatically, particularly if the Syrian government struggles to maintain its ground against opposition forces. Additionally, the involvement of international players like Israel, Russia, and Turkey adds complexity to the situation and raises concerns about broader destabilization in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
