Syrian rebels opposing President Bashar al-Assad have made significant progress in reaching the heart of the northern city of Aleppo after launching a surprise offensive. Led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, insurgents quickly advanced through government-held towns in Aleppo province, which had been under Assad’s control with support from Iran and Russia since late 2016. The rebels’ success was attributed to insufficient Iran-backed manpower in the region, while opposition sources claimed Turkey had given the green light for the offensive.
The attack, the largest since March 2020, has resulted in the deaths of at least 27 civilians, sparking concerns from humanitarian organizations about the escalating violence. Syrian state media denied that rebels had reached Aleppo city, and Russian air support was said to be aiding the Syrian military in repelling the insurgents.
Both Russia and Turkey have expressed support for Syrian sovereignty and called for the government to restore order in the region swiftly. Reports of Assad traveling to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin have surfaced, although Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the matter.
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has led to an estimated 600,000 deaths. The recent rebel offensive in Aleppo marks a significant development in the conflict, with widespread international concern over the impact on civilians and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
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