Strategic Importance of Tal Rifaat for Syrian Opposition
Military expert Colonel Hatem Al-Falahi emphasized that the recent capture of Tal Rifaat by the Syrian armed opposition is a significant strategic victory. This control not only allows the opposition to expand its influence towards the Euphrates River but also threatens to diminish the territory held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The opposition's advance into Tal Rifaat marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, as it opens up potential pathways for further military operations in northern Syria.
Current Military Landscape in Syria
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported that for the first time since the onset of the civil war, Aleppo has largely escaped the control of the Syrian regime, with only a few neighborhoods remaining under SDF control. Colonel Al-Falahi noted that the opposition is also making significant strides in Hama, where intense battles are ongoing. The opposition claims to have begun advancing into Hama city, although the Syrian Ministry of Defense has denied these claims, asserting that regime forces are still operational in the area.
Implications of Ongoing Military Operations
The military operations, dubbed “Deterrence of Aggression” and “Dawn of Freedom,” have seen the opposition forces launching surprise attacks across Aleppo province and surrounding areas. These operations have resulted in the opposition gaining control over numerous towns and villages, indicating a shift in the balance of power in the region. The potential for further territorial expansion towards Homs, Damascus, and the Syrian coast could reshape the dynamics of the conflict, posing new challenges for the Syrian regime and its allies.
