Syrian Rebels Make Significant Gains in Aleppo Amid Escalating Conflict
Recent reports indicate that large areas of Aleppo, a historically significant city in Syria, are now under rebel control, raising concerns over the ongoing civil war. Activists from the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, led by Rami Abdel Rahman, reported that an alliance of insurgents, prominently featuring the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has achieved notable territorial gains in the region.
The conflict in Syria has seen a series of violent clashes, particularly around the cities of Idlib and Aleppo, where government forces and their allies are currently under pressure. Eyewitness accounts described the sounds of combat and explosions echoing through Aleppo, while reports also surfaced of government troops appearing to abandon their positions amid the turmoil.
As the battle intensifies, videos circulating on social media purportedly demonstrated rebel forces occupying various parts of Aleppo, casting doubt on claims made by the Syrian state agency Sana, which announced arrests of individuals trying to portray the situation differently. Furthermore, the government appears to be regrouping troops for a potential counteroffensive in the eastern part of Aleppo.
The implications of a permanent shift in control of Aleppo would be dire for President Bashar al-Assad. Over recent years, Assad has consolidated his power significantly, largely due to the backing of Russian and Iranian forces. Losing Aleppo would represent a significant setback, reducing State authority and control in a critical area.
In response to the escalating conflict, HTS's leader, Abu Mohammed al-Julani, instructed his fighters to avoid causing destruction and to protect civilian lives. Nonetheless, reports indicate a rising tide of displacement, with thousands fleeing Aleppo towards rural areas or other cities, as they seek safety from the intensifying violence.
The situation on the ground is dire; the United Nations has reported around 14,000 people displaced due to the latest outbreak of hostilities. Local residents expressed their fears, with one stating, 'I am packing my things and my family and going towards Damascus.' The deteriorating conditions have also led to numerous injuries, particularly among children, raising alarms about the humanitarian crisis unfolding amidst the ongoing conflict.
The battle for Aleppo, historically one of the worst conflicts in the Syrian civil war, gained international criticism, particularly from Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov described the situation as a violation of Syria's sovereignty, though his remarks suggested a reluctance for Moscow to intervene decisively to halt the rebel advance. Moscow emphasized the need for stability in the region, urging the restoration of order.
As the civil war rages on, political solutions remain elusive, leaving millions of Syrians either displaced within the country or fleeing abroad in search of refuge. The ramifications of this continued violence are profound, deepening the humanitarian catastrophe while highlighting the complexities and entrenched positions of various stakeholders in this long-standing conflict.
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