Syrian rebels Aleppo offensive: Rebel groups take control, shifting civil war dynamics

The Syrian Rebels Aleppo Offensive has seen several armed opposition groups take control of most of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, marking a pivotal moment in the 13-year civil war. Led by Hayʼat Tahrir Ash-Sham (HTS) and supported by Turkey, this surprise offensive has delivered a significant blow to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and its key allies, Russia and Iran.

The surprise attack, launched on Wednesday, overwhelmed Syrian army forces, pro-Iranian militias, and even Russian troops stationed in the area. By Friday, rebels had seized key locations in Aleppo, including the historic citadel and the Umayyad Mosque, both symbolic and strategic assets. Reports also confirm their control over more than a dozen villages and military positions surrounding the city.

The timing of the offensive is notable. It coincided with President Assad’s visit to Moscow, where he was set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. This suggests a calculated move by the rebels to exploit a moment of distraction among Assad’s backers. The U.S. government, reportedly surprised by the attack, has denied any involvement in the operation.

This latest development represents the most significant rebel advance since 2020, reigniting momentum in a civil war that had reached a stalemate. The Syrian conflict, which began in 2011 after Assad’s violent suppression of pro-democracy protests, has claimed over 500,000 lives and displaced 6.8 million people.

The rebels’ offensive follows a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, which may have temporarily weakened Assad’s allies, including Hezbollah, Iran, and Russia, who are also embroiled in conflicts in Lebanon and Ukraine. Their diminished focus likely created an opening for the rebels to strike decisively.

As Aleppo falls under rebel control, the consequences for Assad’s regime could be far-reaching. The loss of Aleppo, previously recaptured by Assad with Russian and Iranian support in 2016, threatens to unravel years of gains and could shift the balance of power in the Syrian civil war.