Syrian Opposition Gains Ground Amidst Regime Challenges
Recent developments in northwestern Syria have seen armed opposition factions make significant territorial gains, particularly in Idlib and Aleppo. Military expert Brigadier General Elias Hanna highlighted that this progress, termed the "battle to deter aggression," poses a direct challenge to the Syrian regime's established red lines. Key areas such as Aleppo International Airport and Maarat al-Numan have fallen under opposition control, indicating a potential shift in the balance of power on the ground.
The rapid advances by the opposition can be attributed to three main factors: the speed of planning and execution, the ability to achieve substantial accomplishments in a short timeframe, and the Syrian army's weakened readiness for ground combat. Hanna noted that the Syrian army's disorganized deployment across vast territories hindered its capacity to respond effectively to the opposition's surprise attacks. This lack of coherent military strategy has led to significant withdrawals from critical locations, raising questions about the regime's ability to regain control.
Implications of the Opposition's Advances
The recent territorial gains by the Syrian opposition reflect a major shift in the conflict dynamics, potentially inviting external interventions or altering the control map in northern Syria. Hanna emphasized that the opposition's strategy of targeting rural outskirts to isolate major cities has proven effective, particularly with the recovery of Maarat al-Numan, previously lost due to a Turkish-Russian agreement.
As the opposition continues to cut off the regime's supply lines, such as the crucial M5 highway, the pressure on regime forces intensifies. This isolation not only complicates the regime's logistics but also exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, as thousands of civilians are displaced amid the ongoing conflict. With Russian support for the Syrian regime facing challenges due to its involvement in the Ukraine war, the regime's ability to counter the opposition's advances remains uncertain. The future of the conflict in Syria appears increasingly precarious as the opposition capitalizes on the regime's vulnerabilities.
