The rebel offensive in Aleppo signifies a potential shift in the balance of power within Syria, as Iranian-backed groups appear to be losing ground.
The involvement of Turkey in supporting the rebel forces suggests a complex geopolitical landscape, with implications for regional stability.
The death of senior Iranian military officials during the clashes highlights the risks faced by Iranian interests in Syria.
The ongoing conflict in Aleppo may lead to further escalations in violence, potentially drawing in more regional players.
The situation could prompt a reassessment of military strategies by both the Syrian government and its allies, particularly Iran and Russia.
Increased humanitarian crises may arise as civilians flee the violence, further complicating the already dire situation in Syria.
Rebels Storm Aleppo: A Significant Escalation in Syria's Civil War
On November 29, 2024, Islamist rebels launched a surprise offensive in Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, marking the first time opposition forces have besieged the city since 2016. The assault began with the detonation of two car bombs, leading to intense clashes with government forces. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 121 people have died, including 20 civilians, as fighting escalates in the region.
The rebel forces, primarily led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have made significant territorial gains, capturing neighborhoods and military installations, including a military hospital in the Al Andalus area. Reports indicate that the rebels have also taken control of the strategic Basel Square, symbolically removing the regime's flag from a monument there. This offensive has disrupted a period of relative calm following a ceasefire four years ago, as the Syrian government, supported by Russia and Iran, had previously regained control of Aleppo.
The Syrian Defense Ministry stated that government forces have been actively repelling attacks and have inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents, claiming to have destroyed numerous vehicles and drones. However, the rebels' advance has raised alarms among regional powers, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convene a security discussion regarding the implications of these developments in Syria.
