Syrian opposition fighters stormed Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city, on Friday, reportedly facing minimal resistance from government forces.
This surprise offensive marks one of the most significant challenges to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in recent years, with rebels now claiming control of at least half of Aleppo and the entirety of Idlib province.
Rebels Take Aleppo by Surprise
Residents of Aleppo reported seeing thousands of opposition fighters flooding the city in armored vehicles, swiftly seizing control of landmarks, including the historic old citadel. By Saturday, the rebels claimed dominance over several critical areas, including the Aleppo airport, while major roads were shut down under their control.
The sudden nature of the assault left pro-government forces scrambling. Syrian military sources described their retreat as a “temporary troop withdrawal” to regroup and prepare for a counteroffensive.
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A statement from the military acknowledged that insurgents had entered large parts of the city, although they claimed rebels had not yet established bases or checkpoints.
For Aleppo’s residents, the rebel advance has created chaos. Thousands of civilians, fearing further escalation, have fled the city via the few remaining routes still under government control. Long lines of cars have been seen streaming out of Aleppo, with families desperate to escape the uncertainty ahead.
Idlib Province Also Falls
In addition to their gains in Aleppo, opposition fighters have announced their complete control over Idlib province, a region long contested in Syria’s civil war. With both Aleppo and Idlib now in rebel hands, President Assad faces a growing threat to his hold on key territories in northern Syria.
The coordination and scale of the rebel offensive suggest months of preparation, surprising even seasoned analysts of the conflict. Their rapid advances raise questions about the stability of Assad’s regime, which has relied heavily on Russian military support in recent years to retain control over strategic areas.
Airstrikes Target Rebels
In response to the insurgents’ sweeping offensive, Russian and Syrian jets launched a series of airstrikes on Saturday, targeting rebel positions and reinforcements around Aleppo. Witnesses reported at least two airstrikes near residential areas on the city’s outskirts.
According to local sources, 20 fighters were killed in the bombings, which were aimed at slowing down the rebel advance. Despite these attacks, the insurgents have continued to fortify their hold over Aleppo’s key districts, marking a bold escalation in Syria’s prolonged civil war.
The airstrikes have not only targeted fighters but also stoked fear among civilians, further driving the mass exodus from Aleppo. Many residents have expressed anger and despair at the intensifying violence, as they face the grim reality of displacement amid an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Strategic Importance of Aleppo
Aleppo has long been a symbol of Syria’s cultural and economic significance. Once a thriving industrial hub, the city became a battleground early in the Syrian civil war, witnessing some of the conflict’s fiercest fighting.
Control of Aleppo carries immense strategic and symbolic weight for both the Assad regime and opposition forces. For the rebels, the city represents a crucial stepping stone toward challenging Assad’s hold over Damascus and the rest of Syria. For the regime, losing Aleppo would signify a devastating blow to its legitimacy and territorial control.
Government Denial and Preparations
Despite the scale of the offensive, Syrian military officials maintain that the situation in Aleppo is under control. They claim the recent withdrawal of troops was a tactical decision to reorganize and launch a counterattack against what they described as “terrorists.”
However, the government’s messaging appears to conflict with reports on the ground, where rebels have already entrenched themselves in key locations. Observers suggest that the Assad regime may be underestimating the threat posed by this latest rebel offensive.
Civilian Exodus and Humanitarian Crisis
As the fighting intensifies, civilians in Aleppo and surrounding regions are bearing the brunt of the conflict. Aid agencies have warned of an escalating humanitarian crisis, as thousands of families flee their homes with little more than the belongings they can carry.
With major roads under rebel control and airstrikes targeting areas near residential neighborhoods, the situation for those remaining in Aleppo grows increasingly precarious. Food, water, and medical supplies are reportedly running low, adding to the desperation of those caught in the crossfire.
What’s Next for Syria?
The rebel offensive in Aleppo marks a turning point in Syria’s civil war, signaling a bold and coordinated effort to challenge Assad’s grip on power. While the government has pledged a counteroffensive, its ability to reclaim lost territory remains uncertain.
Russia’s role in the conflict will also be closely watched in the coming days. As Assad’s primary ally, Russia has provided critical military support to the regime, including airpower. However, the swift rebel gains may force Moscow to reassess its strategy in Syria.
For the international community, the renewed fighting in Aleppo shows the urgent need for a lasting resolution to Syria’s ongoing conflict. The latest escalation threatens to undo fragile efforts at peace and prolong the suffering of millions of Syrians.
The fall of Aleppo into rebel hands is a key blow to the Assad regime and a stark reminder of the enduring volatility of Syria’s civil war. With Idlib province also under rebel control, opposition forces have dealt a critical blow to the government’s strongholds in northern Syria.
As the situation unfolds, the people of Aleppo remain trapped in a cycle of violence, displacement, and uncertainty.
The international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and address the worsening humanitarian crisis, while all eyes remain on Syria’s fractured leadership and its ability to respond to this growing challenge.
For now, the battle for Aleppo is far from over, and its outcome could reshape the trajectory of Syria’s conflict for years to come.
