Syrian opposition forces have successfully taken control of a large part of Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city, following a swift offensive that resulted in the deaths of numerous government soldiers, presenting a significant challenge to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
The rebel alliance launched a surprise attack this week, advancing eastward through surrounding villages and reigniting a conflict that had remained relatively static for years. This is the first time that Syrian rebels have entered Aleppo since government forces regained control during the civil war in 2016.
By Saturday morning, rebel fighters had established control over substantial areas of the city, as confirmed by footage geolocated by CNN. The Syrian army acknowledged a retreat, stating that “large numbers of terrorists” had compelled them to execute a “redeployment operation,” while also announcing reinforcements were en route and preparations for a potential “counteroffensive” were underway.
Video footage has shown rebel fighters at strategic locations, including a central square where armed men waved an opposition flag and shouted “God is great” in Arabic. Another clip featured rebels at the city’s historic citadel, with one declared, “We are the first to arrive and the first to conquer.” The rebels have also claimed to have taken control of the city’s airport, but CNN could not verify this information.
Government forces maintain control of only the northeastern part of the city, where several neighborhoods remain under their authority along with Iranian militia allies.
In response to their newly acquired power, rebel forces announced a 24-hour curfew starting at 5 p.m. local time on Saturday, citing the need to ensure “the safety of city residents and to protect private and public property from damage or tampering.”
The Syrian defense ministry reported that dozens of soldiers had been killed during the Aleppo offensive, indicating that the advancing rebels encountered little resistance, as several residents inside Aleppo confirmed minimal fighting in urban areas.
In reaction to the rebel advance, Russian airpower launched an offensive targeting Syrian armed opposition forces in Aleppo and Idlib provinces, according to Russian state media. On Saturday, the Syrian Defense Ministry confirmed that “Russian and Syrian warplanes” conducted strikes targeting what they claimed were “terrorist gatherings, movements, and supply lines” in and around Aleppo.
Activists and journalists reported at least 10 strikes by Russian warplanes targeting rebel positions in Aleppo and Idlib since Wednesday. Additionally, a Syrian airstrike near al Basil roundabout in Aleppo on Saturday resulted in civilian casualties, as reported by local health workers.
Video footage from the western part of the city depicted multiple casualties following an airstrike, though it remains unclear whether Syrian or Russian aircraft conducted the attack. The video revealed at least seven bodies along with individuals suffering from severe burns.
Kurdish forces have also expanded their presence in some neighborhoods of Aleppo, moving into areas previously controlled by the Syrian regime. The Kurdish militia, known as the YPG, has historically clashed with other rebel groups in the region.
On Saturday, a confrontation was reported between members of the rebel alliance and Kurdish fighters within the city, according to video analyzed by CNN. Some factions within the rebel coalition indicate intentions to launch an offensive against the Kurdish groups in northern Aleppo province.
The loss of Aleppo represents a significant setback for Assad’s forces. Once Syria’s largest city and economic hub, Aleppo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The city served as a primary rebel stronghold until it was captured by Assad’s forces in 2016. With the rebels regaining a foothold, their influence is no longer limited to Idlib, potentially triggering further upheaval in the region.
The rebels are part of a newly formed coalition called the “Military Operations Command,” which encompasses various opposition fighters, including Islamist factions and moderate groups previously supported by the U.S. The coalition announced its formation shortly before the assault on Aleppo, responding to escalating attacks from the Syrian government and Iranian militias.
This offensive marks the first significant escalation in hostilities in years between the Syrian opposition and Assad’s regime, which has dominated the war-torn nation since 2000.
The civil war in Syria began during the 2011 Arab Spring when the regime suppressed a pro-democracy protest movement. As resistance formed in the shape of the Free Syrian Army, the conflict evolved into a full-fledged civil war.
Since a ceasefire agreement in 2020, clashes between the rebels and Assad’s forces have largely subsided. However, the war has caused the deaths of over 300,000 civilians, according to United Nations estimates, and millions have been displaced throughout the region.
Credit: CNN
