Syrian Government Forces Withdraw from Aleppo Amid Rebel Offensive
Syrian government forces have withdrawn from the city of Aleppo following a significant offensive by rebels opposed to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The army acknowledged that rebels had entered “large parts” of the city, Syria’s second-largest, and vowed to launch a counterattack.
The offensive marks the most substantial fighting in Syria’s civil war in recent years, with more than 300 people killed since the conflict began on Wednesday, including at least 20 civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
President Assad responded defiantly, pledging to “defend [Syria’s] stability and territorial integrity in the face of all terrorists and their backers.” He expressed confidence that Syria could defeat its opponents with the help of its allies and friends.
The current conflict is a continuation of the civil war that began in 2011, when the Assad government brutally suppressed pro-democracy protests. The war has claimed approximately half a million lives and had been largely dormant since a 2020 ceasefire. Opposition forces have maintained control of the north-western city of Idlib and surrounding areas, which is located just 55 kilometers from Aleppo.
The latest offensive is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist militant group known for its effectiveness against the Assad government, along with allied factions backed by Turkey. HTS was already the dominant force in Idlib and has now made significant gains in Aleppo.
Rebels have taken control of Aleppo’s airport and dozens of nearby towns. They have also implemented a curfew from 17:00 local time until Sunday. The Syrian army reported that the rebels launched a broad attack across a front exceeding 100 kilometers, resulting in numerous military casualties.
The Russian air force, which played a crucial role in maintaining Assad’s power during the civil war’s peak, conducted air strikes in Aleppo on Saturday. These were the first such strikes in the city since helping government forces recapture it in 2016.
The intensity of the conflict is evident from the scenes of civilians fleeing the city, with roads leading out of Aleppo becoming congested with cars as people attempt to escape the fighting.
This recent development represents a significant shift in the Syrian conflict, potentially challenging the government’s control and highlighting the ongoing instability in the region. The involvement of various factions, including HTS, Turkish-backed forces, and Russian military support, underscores the complex nature of the Syrian civil war.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides expressing determination to continue the fight. President Assad’s rhetoric suggests a commitment to maintaining territorial integrity, while rebel forces appear motivated to challenge the government’s control.
