The current offensive by jihadists represents a significant shift in the balance of power in northwestern Syria, potentially challenging the Assad regime's control in the region.
The involvement of Iranian forces and the recent death of a general from the Revolutionary Guards highlights the complexity of alliances in the Syrian conflict, as various factions vie for control amid shifting military strategies.
If the jihadists successfully capture Aleppo, it could lead to a major shift in the ongoing civil war, potentially emboldening other rebel factions and complicating international efforts for peace.
The humanitarian crisis is expected to worsen, with increasing displacement and casualties as the conflict intensifies, prompting a need for urgent international intervention.
The ongoing conflict in Syria has escalated dramatically, with jihadists and their allies advancing towards Aleppo, resulting in at least 240 fatalities since the onset of their offensive on November 27. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), this marks the most intense fighting in the region since 2020, with the jihadists capturing over 50 towns and villages in the Aleppo and Idlib provinces. As of November 29, the jihadists are reported to be approximately two kilometers from the city of Aleppo, having bombed the city for the first time in four years, targeting areas including a university campus.
The Syrian regime, supported by Russian and Iranian forces, has been responding to the offensive with airstrikes, which have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties. The SOHR noted that 24 civilians were killed in recent strikes, including 19 from Russian air raids. The Kremlin has urged Syrian authorities to restore order in Aleppo swiftly, labeling the jihadist offensive as an attack on Syria's sovereignty. The humanitarian impact of the conflict is severe, with the UN reporting that over 14,000 people have been displaced due to the violence, nearly half of whom are children.
