Syrian Opposition Gains Ground in Hama and Aleppo
In a significant escalation of military operations, the Syrian armed opposition has announced control over additional territories in the Hama countryside, expanding its influence to 22% of Syria's area. The latest offensive, dubbed 'Deterrence of Aggression,' resulted in the capture of 12 villages and towns, including Halfaya, Soran, and Taybat al-Imam, following fierce clashes with Syrian government forces and Iranian-backed militias. This comes on the heels of the opposition's recent gains in Aleppo, where they seized control of the Nayrab military airport and a military school, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.
The Military Operations Directorate reported that opposition fighters engaged in violent confrontations with regime forces, resulting in over 50 casualties among government troops. Despite these losses, the Syrian regime claimed to have repelled some of the opposition's advances, regaining control over key locations along the Muhardeh-Suqaylabiyah road. The situation remains tense, with intermittent clashes continuing in the region.
Control of Military Airports
The opposition's recent military successes include the capture of several strategic military airports, such as Abu al-Duhur, Kuweires, and Meng, in addition to the Nayrab airport. This consolidation of power in Aleppo is crucial as it secures the city from aerial bombardments by regime forces. The opposition's operations have not only shifted the balance of power but have also led to the withdrawal of Kurdish units from besieged areas in Aleppo as part of a broader strategic maneuver.
Humanitarian Crisis and UN Response
As the conflict intensifies, the humanitarian situation in Syria continues to deteriorate. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, highlighted the urgent need for peace, noting that escalating violence has resulted in civilian casualties and mass displacements. Recent reports indicate that nearly 50,000 people have fled their homes due to the ongoing clashes in northwestern Syria. The UN has called for immediate attention to the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing that the region cannot withstand further turmoil.
The recent military actions by the opposition represent a significant shift in the dynamics of the Syrian civil war, particularly following a period of relative calm since the ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey in March 2020. As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the protracted conflict.
