Syrian armed rebels have reportedly entered Aleppo, marking the first time since government forces recaptured the city in 2016. The rebel forces launched a surprise attack this week, capturing several villages and sparking renewed conflict in the region.
The newly formed rebel coalition, the Military Operations Command, claimed that their forces have begun entering the city of Aleppo. However, this claim has not been independently verified, and the Syrian government has been contacted for comment.
The Syrian military has stated that they are facing a 'major attack' by 'terrorist organizations' equipped with heavy weaponry and drones. The rebel coalition announced that they seized control of the Syrian government's Military Scientific Research Center on the outskirts of Aleppo city after intense clashes with regime forces and Iranian militias.
Recent incidents include an artillery shell hitting Aleppo University's student housing, resulting in the death of four individuals. While Syria's state news agency blamed opposition factions for the attack, the spokesperson for the rebel groups denied these accusations as 'baseless lies.'
Reports from the White Helmets, a volunteer rescue group, indicate that at least 15 civilians, including six children and two women, were killed in airstrikes and shelling on rebel-held areas in Aleppo and Idlib countryside. Additionally, Iranian state media confirmed the death of an Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Brigadier General in the city.
Iran's foreign minister accused the United States and Israel of reactivating the rebels and reiterated Iran's support for the Syrian government and army. The Kremlin also called on Syrian authorities to swiftly restore order in the region and uphold constitutional order. Both Iran and Russia are key allies of Syria in the ongoing conflict.
