Syrian Rebels Launch Major Offensive Against Government Forces in Aleppo, Sparking Intense Clashes

Syrian insurgents, backed by Turkish allies, have launched a significant offensive against government forces in Aleppo, marking one of the most intense battles in the region since 2020. The attack, which began on Wednesday, has resulted in the rebels seizing control of more than 50 towns and villages in northern Syria, including areas in Aleppo and Idlib provinces.

The offensive has led to severe clashes, with the rebels cutting off the key Damascus-Aleppo highway, a critical route that had been reopened by regime forces years ago. This move has disrupted public transportation and supply lines, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the area.

The violence has been devastating, with reports indicating that at least 242 people have been killed, including combatants and civilians. Russian air strikes have also contributed to the civilian casualties, with 24 civilians reported dead in these strikes.

The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, led by Al-Qaeda‘s former Syria branch, is at the forefront of this offensive. HTS and its allies aim to preempt a potential Syrian military campaign in the region, which has been anticipated due to recent military preparations by Syrian and Russian forces.

The fighting has displaced over 14,000 people, nearly half of whom are children, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The rebels have also advanced to within one kilometer of Aleppo’s outer neighborhoods, capturing heavy weapons, depots, and military vehicles in the process.

This escalation comes at a sensitive time, with a fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel taking effect in neighboring Lebanon earlier this week. The conflict in Syria, which began in 2011 with anti-government protests, has evolved into a complex war involving multiple foreign powers, including Russia, Iran, and Turkey.