Syria’s civil war has taken a new turn with a surprising rebel offensive leading to significant territorial gains, particularly in Aleppo. Key players include Syrian government forces supported by Russia and Iran, and insurgent groups, primarily backed by Turkey. This resurgence of conflict has resulted in heavy clashes, reminiscent of earlier warfare prior to the 2020 ceasefire.
In December 2024, a significant rebel offensive in Syria has rekindled global interest in the nation’s prolonged civil conflict. Insurgent forces have successfully captured substantial areas of Aleppo, marking a critical change in the dynamics of the war. Various stakeholders in the war are preoccupied or showing signs of weakness, which has led to intensified skirmishes, the fiercest since a ceasefire took effect in 2020. In response, Russian and Syrian military units have executed multiple airstrikes in an effort to curb the insurgent advances, resulting in considerable casualties.
Since its inception in 2011 following an uprising against President Bashar Assad’s regime, the Syrian civil war has attracted military involvement from five foreign powers, including the United States, Russia, and Iran. Opposition forces, along with U.S.-backed factions, currently control over a third of Syrian territory, with Israel maintaining control of the Golan Heights. A detailed examination of the various actors involved elucidates their roles and influence:
Syrian Pro-Government Forces Supported by Russia and Iran
The Syrian government has long dominated the landscape due to the backing of Russian and Iranian military forces. Assad’s troops retain control over crucial urban centers, including Damascus. However, the recent loss of Aleppo represents a significant setback in the Assad regime’s efforts to maintain its grip on power. While Iran’s military contingents and Hezbollah operatives have been pivotal allies, their capabilities have been diminished due to recent regional conflicts. Concurrently, Iranian-backed militias are beginning to reinforce the government’s counteroffensive actions.
Insurgent Groups, Primarily Backed by Turkey
The insurgent coalition, principally led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has significantly reshaped the northern Syrian landscape, where they govern most of the region. HTS, formerly aligned with al-Qaida, has attempted to reposition itself by promoting a more moderate image under the leadership of Abu Mohammed al-Golani. Additional rebel factions, such as the Turkish-supported Syrian National Army, continue to press against KDP-held territories. Additionally, incursion from foreign fighters, including Chinese and Chechen groups, have been reported amid ongoing clashes.
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, emerged from an uprising against President Bashar Assad’s administration. Over the years, the conflict has evolved, drawing in various international actors with vested interests. The geopolitical implications have been profound, with regional powers like Iran and Turkey exerting influence and actively engaging in the conflict. Control over strategic territories has shifted among several factions, making the conflict a complex multi-dimensional affair involving state and non-state actors.
The recent offensive by Syrian opposition forces highlights the fraught and evolving dynamics of the Syrian civil war. As different factions pursue their military objectives, the involvement of foreign powers continues to shape the conflict’s trajectory. The loss of key territories such as Aleppo by the Assad regime underscores the vulnerability of pro-government forces, while insurgents backed by foreign powers like Turkey present significant challenges to the status quo. The situation remains fluid and will require careful monitoring as alliances shift and new battles arise.
Original Source: mynorthwest.com
