Kurdish Forces Withdraw from Aleppo Amid Escalating Conflict
In a significant shift in the ongoing Syrian conflict, more than 80% of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) have withdrawn from Aleppo to Raqqa, as confirmed by Syrian armed opposition factions. This withdrawal comes as the opposition factions have gained control over several towns in the Hama countryside. Reports indicate that the YPG's departure was marked by violence, with claims that they killed seven Syrian journalists before leaving the city. The Syrian regime's media has reported the deaths of 1,600 militants, which it labels as 'terrorists,' during recent clashes.
The situation in Eastern Ghouta has also intensified, with regime forces launching an arrest campaign targeting young men aged 15 to 45, believed to be capable of bearing arms. This move appears to be a strategy to bolster the regime's military ranks in response to the advances made by armed opposition factions, particularly following their recent successes in Aleppo.
Opposition Gains Ground in Hama
On the ground, the Syrian armed opposition has reported significant territorial gains, including control over the Sharia agricultural airport and six towns in northwestern Hama. They have claimed to be within six kilometers of the city of Hama, having taken control of 18 villages and towns in the region. The opposition has also reported the destruction of three regime tanks and targeted regime positions with drones.
In contrast, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) claims that the regime has pushed 'terrorists' back by 20 kilometers from Hama, asserting that they have killed numerous militants and destroyed their vehicles. The Syrian Ministry of Defense has also confirmed the evacuation of students and officers from the Assad Military Engineering Academy in Aleppo, which was besieged by opposition forces.
Russian support for the Syrian regime remains strong, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasizing Moscow's backing of the government's actions against what it describes as terrorist groups. She warned that the recent gains by opposition forces are a result of foreign support, which poses a threat to regional stability. The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing clashes and shifting control in various parts of Syria.
