In brief
In a dramatic development, antigovernment rebel forces have successfully taken control of most of Aleppo, Syria's largest city, signaling a significant escalation in a civil conflict that had largely subsided in recent years. Reports indicate the rebel offensive has met with minimal resistance from Syrian government forces, prompting airstrikes from both the Syrian government and Russian allies.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the rebels commenced their surprise offensive just four days prior, resulting in nearly full control of Aleppo. The advance follows a tumultuous history for the city, which was heavily contested in 2016 when government forces achieved a crucial victory, dealing a setback to opposition factions. In response to the recent developments, Syrian government forces have reportedly initiated airstrikes against Aleppo neighborhoods, marking their first such action since that intense period of fighting.Eyewitnesses from Aleppo have shared their experiences with the media, relaying narratives of how rapidly control shifted from the government to rebels. Meanwhile, state media has refuted claims of a rebel takeover, framing the opposition as “terrorists” infiltrating the city in a calculated bid for power. This latest conflict raises critical questions about the future stability of Syria and the potential for renewed hostilities after years of relative dormancy in the civil war.Muhammad Haj Kadour contributed to this report. Raja Abdulrahim, based in Jerusalem, covers Middle Eastern affairs.
