Syrian opposition forces have made significant gains in Aleppo, the country's second-largest city, according to verified video footage and reports from residents. A rebel alliance launched a surprise attack, advancing through villages outside the city and rekindling a conflict that had been stagnant for years. This marks the first time since 2016 that Syrian rebels have entered Aleppo, which was previously under government control.
By Saturday morning, rebel fighters had captured large portions of the city, as confirmed by geolocated footage. Videos show rebels at key locations, including a central square where armed men waved opposition flags and chanted slogans. The rebels also took control of the city's citadel, with one fighter declaring their conquest.
Despite the rebel advance, some neighborhoods in northeastern Aleppo remain under government control, along with areas held by Iranian militia allies. Residents reported minimal resistance from the Syrian army during the rebel incursion, with little fighting in urban areas.
In response to the rebel offensive, the Russian air force conducted airstrikes on Syrian opposition forces in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. Kurdish forces have also expanded their presence in certain neighborhoods of Aleppo, previously held by the Syrian regime.
The rebel coalition, known as the 'Military Operations Command,' comprises various opposition factions, including Islamist groups and moderate forces once supported by the US. This coalition was formed prior to the attack on Aleppo, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
The ongoing conflict in Syria originated from the 2011 Arab Spring protests against President Bashar al-Assad's regime, leading to a full-scale civil war. Regional and global powers became involved, turning the conflict into a complex proxy war. The recent flare-up in Aleppo is the first major confrontation between the opposition and Assad's regime in years.
Since the 2020 ceasefire agreement, the conflict had largely subsided, with sporadic clashes between rebels and government forces. The prolonged war has resulted in over 300,000 civilian deaths and millions of displaced individuals across the region.
