The recent capture of Aleppo by Islamist rebels has marked a significant escalation in the Syrian civil war, provoking airstrikes from Russian-backed Syrian forces. This shift revives focus on the conflict and its implications for regional stability as various factions, led by groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, engage in renewed hostilities. The geopolitical landscape continues to shift, reflecting broader conflicts in the area and ongoing humanitarian challenges.
The Syrian military, with Russian support, conducted airstrikes on areas recently taken by Islamist rebels, marking a significant escalation in Syria’s civil war. The rebel’s capture of Aleppo has opened new fronts in the conflict, risking further involvement from Russia and Turkey. Since the civil war began in 2011, over half of Syria’s pre-war population has been displaced, with hundreds of thousands dead.
The surprise offensive by the rebels commenced on November 26, 2023, leading to their entry into Aleppo by November 29-30, a pivotal change since government forces reclaimed the city in 2016. The ongoing offensive has expanded to areas south and southwest of Aleppo, as the Syrian government pledges to retaliate. Russia’s air support is intensifying, reminiscent of their military intervention in the war since 2015.
The group leading the offense is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant force in the Idlib region that previously was known as Nusra Front. This organization severed ties with al-Qaeda in 2016 and is currently classified as a terrorist entity by various nations. A separate faction, the Syrian National Army, backed by Turkey, has also started operations against the Kurdish forces in the region.
The resurgence of conflict is partly attributed to a shift in regional balances, as influential allies of the Syrian government, like Iran and Hezbollah, face new challenges, particularly following their recent engagements with Israel. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan remarked that the weakening of Assad’s primary backers has provided rebels with an opportunity to reassert control.
Since 2011, Syria has been embroiled in a devastating civil war ignited initially by protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Major foreign powers have intervened, with Russia and Iran supporting the government while Turkey and the U.S. have backed various rebel factions. The conflict has resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and loss of life surpassing hundreds of thousands. The power dynamics have continued to evolve, leading to periodic escalations as seen recently in Aleppo, which has surged back into the spotlight after years of dormancy in fighting over the city.
The recapture of Aleppo by Islamist rebels has reignited hostilities in the Syrian civil war, heightening regional tensions and complicating the landscape for foreign powers involved. The conflict continues to evolve, with changing alliances and international responses, all the while showcasing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria. The situation remains fluid, and the potential for escalated engagement from foreign nations is evident as support systems for both rebels and the Assad regime fluctuate.
Original Source: www.france24.com
