Syrian opposition forces have captured significant portions of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, in a lightning assault that marks their most significant advance in years. The offensive, spearheaded by Hay'et Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters, broke through government-held territory this week, reigniting conflict in an area that had remained largely stagnant since government forces reclaimed the city in 2016.
The Syrian Defense Ministry confirmed the rebel incursion, acknowledging the loss of dozens of soldiers in the battles. It described the rebels as "armed terrorist organizations" and announced a "temporary troop withdrawal" to regroup and prepare for a counteroffensive. The ministry also reported clashes along a 100-kilometer front spanning Aleppo and Idlib governorates, with Syrian forces working to bolster defensive positions.
Eyewitness accounts from Aleppo painted a vivid picture of the rapidly shifting dynamics. According to Al Jazeera, a witness said, "Last night they [rebels] had some prisoners of war, regime soldiers, but they took very good care of them and moved them out immediately so they wouldn't be in any danger." Another source noted, "Some [residents] were really happy that they could now go back to their homes that they had had to flee years ago."
Footage verified by CNN showed opposition fighters at key locations across Aleppo, including the city's historic citadel. In one video, armed men waved an opposition flag while shouting, "God is great." Another clip featured a fighter declaring, "We are the first to arrive and the first to conquer."
This offensive is the most significant display of rebel strength since 2020 and has drawn attention to vulnerabilities in Syrian government defenses. Analysts attributed the rapid advances to a combination of factors, including distractions among President Bashar al-Assad's allies, particularly Hezbollah and Iranian forces, who are preoccupied with escalating conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
Rebel groups have capitalized on these vulnerabilities, seizing control of dozens of towns and villages in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. Notably, they also captured the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib, which Al Jazeera described as "symbolically ... extremely important."
The Syrian government, however, claims it has inflicted heavy losses on rebel forces and vowed to launch a robust counteroffensive. Syrian state media reported that Russian airstrikes were being deployed in support of government forces, while Iranian-backed militias were reportedly mobilizing reinforcements.
Despite government pushback, HTS fighters have solidified control over large parts of central and northwestern Aleppo, areas previously untouched by opposition forces. Al Jazeera's Resul Serdar remarked, "That this happened in just four days is unbelievable."
The renewed fighting has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilians displaced and critical services disrupted. Syrian authorities closed Aleppo airport and suspended all flights, citing security concerns. Aid organizations have warned that the situation could deteriorate further if hostilities escalate.
James Dorsey, a Middle East politics expert at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, told Al Jazeera that the timing of the rebel offensive was strategic. "Opposition fighters launched their offensive now to take advantage of the current upheaval in the region," he said.
The Kremlin, meanwhile, condemned the rebel assault, calling it a "violation of Syria's sovereignty" and urging Syrian authorities to reestablish control swiftly. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Russian presidency, stated, "We urge Syria's authorities to reassert control and restore constitutional order as soon as possible."
