Assad's Counter-Offensive Following Aleppo's Fall
In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian rebels have successfully captured the city of Aleppo and approximately 8,000 square kilometers of territory in just five days. This unexpected offensive has left President Bashar al-Assad reeling, prompting him to announce plans for a counter-offensive to reclaim lost ground. During discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi, Assad emphasized that the eradication of terrorism is crucial for regional stability. He also conveyed his determination to defend Syria's territorial integrity and crush the rebels, whom he claims do not represent the Syrian people but rather their foreign backers.
As preparations for the counter-offensive intensify, Assad's Chief of Staff, General Abdul Karim Mahmoud Ibrahim, has been spotted near Hama, signaling a strategic military response. Pro-Iranian militias from Iraq are reportedly being deployed to bolster Assad's forces. Meanwhile, the Syrian general staff has indicated that they are reorganizing their defense lines to mount a robust counter-attack against the advancing rebels.
Russia and Iran Seek Diplomatic Solutions Amidst Escalating Conflict
In the backdrop of this military escalation, Russia, Assad's key ally, is taking a more cautious approach. The Kremlin has expressed the need for the Syrian army to restore stability in Aleppo but has also criticized the Syrian military for its heavy reliance on Russian support. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has stated that Russia is currently analyzing the situation and is in contact with other significant players in the region, including Turkey and Iran.
Iranian officials have reiterated the importance of Turkey in reducing tensions in Syria and have announced plans for a new trilateral meeting involving Turkey and Russia to address the ongoing crisis. This diplomatic effort is part of the Astana process, a series of talks aimed at resolving the Syrian conflict that has persisted since 2011. The situation remains fluid, with reports of Russian military personnel fleeing Damascus and clashes erupting in various cities as the opposition forces gain momentum.
As the conflict escalates, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with reports of civilian casualties from Russian airstrikes in Idlib and the ongoing threat to Kurdish populations in Aleppo. The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces are actively working to evacuate Kurdish civilians from areas under siege by pro-Turkish factions, highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of the Syrian conflict.
