Syrian Opposition Gains Ground in Aleppo Region
In a significant military advancement, Syrian opposition forces have seized control of the strategic town of Khan al-Assal, along with over 32 villages in the western countryside of Aleppo. This development marks a pivotal moment as the opposition factions, including Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and the National Liberation Front, approach the city of Aleppo, which is currently under Syrian regime control. The capture of Khan al-Assal is particularly crucial as it serves as a gateway to Aleppo and threatens to cut off the M5 international highway, a vital route for the regime.
The Military Operations Administration, a coalition of armed factions, confirmed the successful takeover of Khan al-Assal, emphasizing its importance for the defense of Aleppo. Captain Amin Malihas highlighted that the area had previously been under regime control since 2019 and noted the strategic significance of the town in relation to surrounding neighborhoods and military installations. The recent gains by the opposition forces could potentially facilitate the return of over 100,000 displaced individuals to their homes, alleviating some of the humanitarian crises in northwestern Syria.
Intensified Clashes and Civilian Casualties
As the opposition forces continue their offensive, clashes have intensified, particularly in the Saraqib area east of Idlib, where several villages have been captured from regime forces. This marks the first significant military progress in the region since the ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey in March 2020. However, the ongoing conflict has resulted in tragic civilian casualties, with reports indicating that 12 civilians were killed and 30 others injured due to Russian airstrikes on towns like Atarib and Darat Izza. The Syrian Civil Defense reported that these airstrikes targeted residential areas, exacerbating the humanitarian situation and forcing hundreds of families to flee towards the Turkish border.
Regime Response and International Implications
In response to the escalating conflict, the Syrian regime has characterized the opposition's actions as a
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