Rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a shock offensive, entering Aleppo for the first time in years. Starting from their base in Idlib, insurgents quickly captured territory around Syria’s second city, recapturing dozens of towns and villages. Civilians, including children, have been caught in the crossfire.
Rapid Advances and Violent Clashes
HTS claimed to have seized towns within five miles of Aleppo’s center, surprising government forces. “The regime’s defenses crumbled faster than expected,” said Dareen Khalifa from the International Crisis Group. Turkey’s Anadolu agency reported insurgents entering Aleppo, with videos showing armed militants on its streets.
Government airstrikes killed 12 civilians and displaced 14,000 people. Damascus expects additional Russian military aid within 72 hours to counter the offensive. Meanwhile, Turkey called for calm, emphasizing the need to protect civilians.
The conflict highlights shifting power dynamics in Syria, strained by regional tensions and reduced Russian involvement due to the Ukraine war.