Escalation in Aleppo: Russian and Syrian Forces Target Rebels Amid Renewed Violence
Russian warplanes have reportedly joined the Syrian air forces in a series of bombings targeting rebel positions in the northwestern city of Aleppo, marking one of the most significant challenges to President Bashar al-Assad's rule in the war-torn nation in recent years. The reported airstrikes on November 30 followed a surprise offensive launched by Islamist groups, backed by Turkey, who breached Syria's Aleppo just a day earlier. The Syrian military has confirmed the rebels' entry into the city but has yet to validate claims regarding the air attacks or the involvement of Russian aircraft in the operations.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on November 29 that Russia views the actions of the rebel forces as a breach of Syria's sovereignty, emphasizing Moscow's support for the Assad government in restoring order in the region. According to reports from two Syrian military sources, both Russian and Syrian warplanes targeted rebel sites within an Aleppo suburb on November 30, with anticipation of additional military aid from the Kremlin to Syria expected within the next few days.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a prominent war monitor, indicated that fighters led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham had seized control of half of Aleppo, prompting Syrian government forces to retreat. The offensive commenced on November 27, which led to the closure of all main roads into the city by the Syrian military. This recent violence signifies a break from a period of relative calm that had persisted in the Syrian civil war for the past four years.
The conflict continues to be complex, with varying factions involved: the Assad government receives backing from Russia and Iran; Syrian Kurdish rebels get support from the United States; while Turkey aids separate rebel groups. Meanwhile, U.S. military presence remains in Kurdish-held regions within Syria. Various terror organizations, including the Islamic State, have also been involved in the ongoing clashes.
In a troubling turn, the Syrian Observatory reported at least 16 civilian fatalities on November 30, likely resulting from an airstrike believed to have been carried out by Russian warplanes targeting civilian vehicles at an intersection. This incident has increased the overall death toll in Aleppo to 327 over just four days of violence.
The information compiled by the British-based observatory plays a crucial role in shedding light on the war's progression and has been significant throughout the conflict's duration.
The Syrian Army has acknowledged the entry of rebel forces into Aleppo, recalling that rebels had previously held control of the city before being ousted by Russian-backed forces eight years ago. The military's statement highlighted the daunting challenge posed by a large number of hostile forces across multiple fronts, leading to a strategic redeployment intended to strengthen defense lines, safeguard the lives of civilians and troops, and lay the groundwork for a potential counteroffensive amidst the escalating violence.
This fury of conflict unfolds against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, with Israeli forces engaged in battles against Hamas in Gaza and military strikes occurring against Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and Huthi rebels in Yemen. The current unrest raises fears of wider war across the Middle East, threatening stability in an already volatile region.
In summary, as Russia and Syrian military forces escalate attacks against rebel positions in Aleppo, the potential for an expanded conflict looms large, drawing in multiple international players and complicating the pathway to peace.
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