Syrian and Russian jets have intensified strikes on opposition forces in northern Syria in response to a sudden offensive that has resulted in the autocratic regime losing control of Aleppo, the country's second-largest city. The rebel alliance has made significant gains, capturing an important military base east of Aleppo and large areas in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. This offensive has led to civilian casualties, displacement, and internal displacement of over 20,000 people within the Aleppo governorate and to other areas, as reported by the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The rebels, under the Military Operations Command coalition, have seized key sites in Aleppo, including the airport. The opposition forces' control of Aleppo poses a major challenge to President Bashar al-Assad, with Russian air support being instrumental in reversing rebel gains in the civil war.
The Syrian and Russian airstrikes have caused civilian casualties, including women and children, in various regions such as Idlib and Aleppo. The conflict has reignited Syria's long-running civil war, resulting in over 300,000 deaths and nearly 6 million refugees. President Assad has vowed to defend Syria against terrorists with the help of allies and friends.
Russia has reaffirmed its support for Assad, with the Kremlin spokesperson stating that Moscow will continue to back the Syrian regime. The rebel offensive has reshaped the power dynamics in Syria, with Turkey emerging as a significant player while Russia's influence wanes and Iran faces challenges.
The rebel coalition, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, includes groups backed by Turkey and previously supported by the US. The situation is complex, with some rebel factions also clashing with Kurdish forces. The Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army has seized control of territories previously held by the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish group supported by the US in the fight against ISIS.
