Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Damascus on Sunday, expressing unwavering support for Syrian President Bashar Assad as his forces grapple with a surprise offensive by insurgents. The visit comes during heightened tensions in the region and renewed violence in Syria’s northern cities.
Escalation of Violence in Aleppo and Idlib
The Syrian army launched counterattacks in Aleppo and Idlib after insurgents, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), made significant territorial gains, including parts of Aleppo and Hama. The swift offensive forced government troops to temporarily retreat, raising concerns about their readiness. Rebel groups claimed additional victories, but independent verification was unavailable.
Russian airstrikes reportedly supported Assad’s forces, with the Syrian Civil Defence, known as the White Helmets, documenting extensive civilian casualties, including at least 18 deaths. Despite these efforts, the insurgents’ surprise assault underscores the precariousness of Assad’s position.
Regional Tensions and Broader Implications
Iran and Russia, crucial allies of Assad, continue to play a pivotal role in sustaining his regime. However, both nations face distractions from other conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas war and Türkiye’s involvement in opposing sides of the Syrian crisis.
Araghchi is set to meet Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss the escalating situation, amid fears of a broader regional spillover. The renewed violence risks pulling major powers like Russia and Türkiye into direct confrontation, further destabilizing an already volatile Middle East.