Syrian jihadists in the streets of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Nov. 30, 2024. (Credit: Bakr Al Kassem/AFP)
Syrian authorities shut down Aleppo airport and closed all roads leading into the city on Saturday as rebels opposing President Bashar al-Assad claimed to have reached the heart of Aleppo, according to three military sources cited by Reuters.
Rebel offensive marks return to Aleppo after nearly a decade
The opposition fighters, led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched a surprise offensive through government-held towns earlier this week. This marks their first significant return to Aleppo since being ousted nearly a decade ago by Assad’s forces and allies.
The rebels’ incursion, which began on Wednesday, gained momentum quickly. By late Friday, an operations room representing their offensive announced the capture of various Aleppo neighborhoods. This is the largest offensive since 2016 when Assad, backed by Russia, Iran and regional militias, retook Aleppo after a prolonged siege.
Strategic support and troop movements
Russia, a key Assad ally, has pledged additional military support to the Syrian government. New military hardware is expected to arrive within 72 hours, according to two military sources. Meanwhile, Syrian troops have reportedly been ordered to conduct “safe withdrawals” from areas now under rebel control.
Factors behind the rapid advance
Mustafa Abdul Jaber, a commander in the Jaish al-Izza rebel brigade, attributed the rebels’ swift progress to diminished Iran-backed forces in the Aleppo province. These forces have faced significant losses due to Israeli strikes amid the broader Middle East conflict connected to the Gaza war.
Opposition forces described the campaign as a response to intensified airstrikes by Russian and Syrian forces on civilians in rebel-held Idlib and a preemptive measure against potential Syrian army attacks.
Turkey’s role and regional context
Sources linked to Turkish intelligence claimed that Turkey had approved the offensive, although Turkish officials denied such support. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli reiterated Turkey’s commitment to de-escalation agreements, emphasizing the need to avoid greater instability in the region.
Civilian toll and international reactions
The U.N. has expressed alarm over the escalating violence. David Carden, U.N. Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, reported that relentless attacks over the past three days have killed at least 27 civilians, including children as young as 8 years old.
Syrian state news agency SANA reported additional civilian casualties, including four deaths from rebel shelling on university dormitories in Aleppo. It is unclear if these are included in the U.N.’s count.
Government and Kremlin responses
Syrian state television dismissed reports of rebel advances into Aleppo, asserting that Russian forces were providing air support to Syrian troops. The Syrian military claimed it was inflicting heavy losses on the insurgents in Aleppo and Idlib’s countryside.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the rebel offensive, calling it a violation of Syria’s sovereignty.
“We support Syrian authorities in restoring order and constitutional governance in the area as soon as possible,” Peskov stated.
The offensive represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and has drawn international attention as violence continues to impact civilians across the region.
