Russian Airstrikes Hit Aleppo as Rebels Seize Control of Syrian City

Russian Airstrikes Target Aleppo as Rebels Seize Control of the Syrian City

In a significant escalation of the ongoing Syrian conflict, the Syrian military has confirmed the loss of key areas in Aleppo to rebel forces. Heavy clashes have resulted in numerous casualties, marking a dramatic turn of events in Syria's second-largest city.

Rebel Advance and the Fall of Aleppo

For the first time in eight years, Russian and Syrian warplanes have targeted positions held by Islamist rebel forces in Aleppo. Led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebels launched a surprise offensive four days ago, seizing control of most of the city. The Syrian military has reportedly withdrawn from several areas to regroup and await reinforcements. This withdrawal starkly contrasts with Aleppo’s infamous siege during Syria’s civil war, which began in 2011. The scale of the current fighting surpasses anything seen in the city since a 2016 truce brokered by Russia and Turkey.A rebel fighter celebrating the group’s gains declared, “The city of Aleppo has been completely liberated. By God’s will, we will reach Homs and Damascus too.”

Russian and Syrian Counteroffensive

In response to the rebel advance, Russian airstrikes commenced overnight, targeting insurgent positions in Aleppo. Middle East correspondent Lina Sjab explained that these strikes aim to help Russian and Syrian forces regain control of the city. However, details on casualties and damage remain unclear.Sjab noted that the rebels’ rapid gains were facilitated by suicide car bombs, which encountered minimal resistance from government forces. Reports suggest that the Syrian army executed tactical withdrawals from key parts of the city.

Analysis: Regional and Strategic Implications

Syrian journalist Ibrahim Hamidi, co-founder of the Syrian Studies Center, provided insight into the broader geopolitical dynamics at play. He highlighted the weakened state of Iranian militias following setbacks in Lebanon and Syria as a key factor enabling Turkish-backed Islamist groups to make significant advances.Hamidi emphasized the unprecedented nature of these events, noting that for the first time in Syrian history, Aleppo is entirely out of Damascus’s control. The rebels, inspired by models such as that of the Taliban in Afghanistan, have instructed their fighters to avoid harming civilians while focusing on maintaining military control.

Russia’s Delayed Intervention

Russia’s initial lack of response has drawn scrutiny. Hamidi explained that many advanced Russian warplanes have been relocated to Ukraine, delaying intervention in Aleppo. Only after four days of rebel advances did Russian forces begin airstrikes, raising questions about their ability to regain control without causing severe destruction in a city home to approximately five million civilians.As the situation unfolds, the fate of Aleppo hangs in the balance, with both sides preparing for the next phase of this high-stakes battle.

Conclusion

The recent developments in Aleppo underscore not only the volatility of the Syrian conflict but also its complex geopolitical implications. As rebel forces gain ground and Russian airstrikes intensify, the international community watches closely, aware that these events could reshape power dynamics across the region.

References

1. RFE/RL. (2024). Russian Warplanes Bomb Aleppo Rebels; Iran Says Consulate Attacked. Retrieved from RFE/RL.
2. BBC News. (2024). More Russian strikes as Syrian rebels advance after taking Aleppo. Retrieved from BBC.
3. ACLED Data. (2024). Syria: HTS-led rebel forces capture over 200 locations. Retrieved from ACLED.
4. DW News. (2024). Russian and Syrian jets bomb Aleppo as rebels reportedly capture. Retrieved from DW.
5. Reuters. (2024). Syrian rebels sweep into Aleppo; Russia conducts strikes. Retrieved from Reuters.