Syrian Opposition Fighters Make Significant Gains Near Aleppo
In a notable escalation of conflict in northwestern Syria, armed opposition factions have rapidly advanced, capturing several towns and villages in the western countryside of Aleppo. This offensive marks the first major military engagement since March 2020, when a ceasefire was brokered by Russia and Turkey. According to reports, the opposition forces are now approximately 10 kilometers from the city of Aleppo, having taken control of the 46th Regiment, the largest military site of the regime forces in the area.
The Military Operations Department of the Deterrence of Aggression Battle, an alliance of armed factions, announced that they had seized 17 villages and towns, including Qubtan al-Jabal and Kafr Bisin. During the clashes, over 40 members of the Syrian regime and its allied forces were reportedly killed, alongside significant equipment losses for the regime, including tanks and heavy weapons. The opposition also captured six regime members and a missile depot.
Increased Military Activity and Civilian Impact
The recent offensive has prompted a swift response from the Syrian regime, with reports of Russian and Syrian airstrikes targeting opposition-held areas in Aleppo and Idlib. Eyewitness accounts indicate that hundreds of families have fled towards the Turkish border to escape the escalating violence. The opposition factions, including Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and the Syrian National Army, initiated this operation, dubbed the “Battle to Deter Aggression,” in response to perceived threats from the regime's military build-up.
Activists noted that the Syrian regime has intensified its artillery and missile bombardments on opposition-controlled towns, particularly in the western Aleppo countryside. This increase in hostilities follows a period of relative calm, which had been punctuated by sporadic shelling from regime forces. The situation remains fluid as both sides prepare for continued confrontations.
Implications for the Ongoing Conflict
The recent developments in Aleppo highlight the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the ongoing volatility in the region. The opposition's ability to launch a successful offensive raises questions about the effectiveness of the regime's military strategy and the potential for renewed conflict in other areas of Syria. As the situation evolves, the humanitarian impact on civilians continues to be a pressing concern, with many displaced by the fighting seeking refuge in safer areas. The international community is closely monitoring these developments, as they may have broader implications for the stability of the region.
