Syria’s Rebel Forces Make Stunning Gains, Raising Fears of Revival of Civil War
More than a decade since the start of the Syrian civil war, the country’s northwest region has seen a renewed surge of violence, with rebel forces making significant gains against the Syrian government. In the past week, the rebels have captured Aleppo, a major city and economic hub, and are pushing further into the country’s center.
The usually fractured and disorganized rebel forces have buckled together to launch a coordinated attack, reportedly capturing over 170 square miles of territory. The offensive, spearheaded by the Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) and Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, has seen the opposition gain control of key cities, including Aleppo, and capture significant military assets from the Syrian army.
The rapid advance has dealt a significant blow to the Syrian government, led by President Bashar Al-Assad, and his allies, including Iran and Russia. The Syrian army, assisted by Russian warplanes, has launched airstrikes on rebel-held areas, but have struggled to regain lost ground.
The violence has resulted in the deaths of over 600 people, including over 100 civilians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The conflict has also led to widespread displacement, with thousands forced to flee their homes.
The sudden turn of events has raised concerns about the stability of the country, which has been plagued by violence and regime change for over a decade. The rebels’ gains have also sparked fears of a regional destabilization, with potential implications for neighboring countries, including Turkey, Iraq, and Jordan.
The conflict has also raised questions about the involvement of outside powers, including the United States, Israel, and Iran. The many players in the region may see the conflict as an opportunity to further their own interests, which could lead to further destabilization and conflict.