Shift in Control: Aleppo Under Rebel Command After Surprise Assault

In a stunning development in the Syrian conflict, rebel factions have effectively gained control of significant areas of Aleppo, leading to a temporary retreat by Syrian government forces. This sudden offensive marks one of the most substantial shifts in the battleground where control had been relatively stable for years.

Aleppo, once Syria’s largest city and a crucial industrial and economic hub, had been firmly under government control since 2016 after a concerted push by Syrian forces supported by Russian and Iranian allies. However, the recent assault led by the Hay’et Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant rebel group in northwestern Syria, disrupted this long-standing government hold.

According to military sources, rebels launched a multi-pronged attack across the Aleppo and Idlib governorates, resulting in clashes along a front stretching over 100 kilometers. Despite the Syrian army's immediate bombardment to prevent the rebels from establishing permanent positions, HTS and associated groups have managed to capture key locations including the strategic Abu al-Duhur airbase and a vital highway linking Aleppo to Damascus, consolidating their recent gains.

The situation escalated quickly, surprising the Syrian government whose military response was reportedly slowed by the ongoing regional tensions involving their allies Hezbollah and Iran, primarily concentrated on conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

Civilians, long displaced by the ongoing military activities, have begun to return to their homes in some areas, indicating a significant, albeit potentially temporary, change in the local control dynamics. The Syrian Civil Defence reported civilian casualties due to air strikes by Syrian and Russian forces on various targets within Idlib, including residential areas and public infrastructure.

The Aleppo International Airport was shut down and all flights were canceled as part of the government's response measures. This action reflects the severity of the attack and the implications for the Assad regime's hold over northern Syria.

The international community watches closely, with Russia providing air support to Syrian government forces while Turkey continues to back various opposition factions as part of its geopolitical strategy in the region.

As the counteroffensive preparations are underway, the strategic outcomes of these developments remain uncertain. The global implications hinge on whether Syrian forces can reclaim territory or if rebels will solidify their hold, potentially altering the power balance in war-torn Syria.