The Syrian civil war has intensified with a rebel offensive in Aleppo, marking a significant shift since 2016. Key factors include increased Israeli military actions against Hezbollah, the complexity of regional dynamics involving Turkey and Russia, and the historical significance of Aleppo as a cultural and commercial center. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leads the offensive, while the conflict’s escalation may have far-reaching implications on regional stability.
The Syrian civil war has intensified with a surprising offensive by rebel forces in Aleppo, a historically significant city and major business hub. This offensive marks the first substantial opposition attack on Aleppo since 2016 when Russian intervention helped President Bashar Assad regain control. The resurgence of conflict has raised concerns regarding regional stability, particularly in light of simultaneous conflicts involving Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
Robert Ford, the former U.S. ambassador to Syria, suggested that the recent Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in the area contributed to this opportunity for Syrian rebels to advance. This increased fighting in Aleppo could lead to significant changes in the battlefield dynamics, especially if Assad’s forces are unable to maintain their position.
The significance of the conflict in Aleppo is underscored by the devastation the war has caused, with an estimated half-million fatalities and 6.8 million refugees. Areas outside Assad’s control are variously held by opposition factions and foreign troops, including approximately 900 U.S. military personnel stationed in northeastern Syria. The interplay of these forces, including Turkey’s support for opposition groups, could greatly influence the outcome of the conflict.
The leading force in the Aleppo offensive is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has been labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the U.N. The group’s leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has attempted to distance himself from extremist affiliations and has sought to present a more moderate face in opposition to the Assad regime.
Historically, Aleppo has been a crucial center of trade and culture for thousands of years, with a pre-war population of 2.3 million. The rebel takeover of eastern Aleppo in 2012 symbolized the momentum of opposition forces, but the city fell back under Assad’s control in 2016 following a brutal siege supported by Russian airstrikes. Recent Israeli operations targeting Hezbollah in Aleppo continue to complicate the situation, even as they remain largely unacknowledged by Israel.
The renewed rebel offensive in Aleppo is significant as it holds the potential to alter the course of the Syrian civil war. With a history of violence and the presence of various factions, the conflict’s escalation raises concerns regarding broader regional stability and the risk of further entrenchment of extremist groups. Furthermore, the dynamics among influential regional players, such as Russia and Turkey, could shape the future of Syria suffering from prolonged conflict.
Original Source: apnews.com
