Armed rebel forces have entered Aleppo for the first time in eight years, following a surprise offensive that has reignited conflict in the region. The city, Syria’s second largest, has been under government control since 2016, when it was recaptured after months of intense fighting.
The rebel coalition, operating under the banner of the Military Operations Command, initiated its offensive on Wednesday, quickly advancing through villages surrounding Aleppo. By Friday, they had entered the city’s western districts, marking a notable challenge to the government of President Bashar al-Assad. Videos verified by independent sources show rebel fighters navigating through deserted streets, with one fighter driving past the Zine El Abidine Mosque while expressing religious invocations.
Government Response and Rebel Advances
The Syrian military has described the attack as a “major offensive,” asserting that it is reinforcing positions across the city. However, reports from residents suggest regime forces have withdrawn from certain neighbourhoods in western Aleppo. This marks a significant shift in a conflict that has seen relative stagnation since a 2020 ceasefire agreement.
Rebels have reportedly taken control of the Military Scientific Research Centre on Aleppo’s outskirts following heavy clashes with government forces and Iranian-backed militias. Videos from the scene show retreating Syrian tanks, further signalling the extent of rebel gains. By Friday afternoon, fighters were seen at a prominent location in New Aleppo district, removing the Syrian national flag near a statue of Bassel al-Assad, the president’s deceased brother.
Civilian Toll and Regional Repercussions
The escalation has already taken a devastating toll on civilians. On Friday, an artillery shell struck a dormitory at Aleppo University, killing four people and wounding others. While state media blamed the attack on rebel factions, opposition representatives dismissed the claims as fabrications. Witnesses confirmed the shelling, with videos showing students evacuating the damaged building and assisting injured peers.
The rebel-held areas of Aleppo and neighbouring Idlib have also faced retaliation. The White Helmets, a volunteer rescue organisation, reported at least 15 civilian deaths, including six children, in airstrikes and shelling over the past two days. Iranian media confirmed the death of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) brigadier general in the fighting, underscoring Tehran’s deep involvement in the conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States and Israel of “reactivating” rebel forces during a call with his Syrian counterpart. Iran, a key ally of Assad, reiterated its commitment to supporting the Syrian government. Meanwhile, the Kremlin urged a swift restoration of order in Aleppo, reflecting Russia’s vested interest in maintaining Assad’s control.
Historical Context and Implications
Aleppo has long been a focal point of Syria’s civil war, which began in 2011 during the Arab Spring uprisings. What initially started as pro-democracy protests evolved into a multi-faceted conflict involving regional and global powers. The Free Syrian Army emerged as a prominent opposition force, while extremist groups such as ISIS capitalised on the chaos. External actors, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran, turned the war into a proxy battleground.
Despite a relative lull since 2020, the conflict remains unresolved. Over 300,000 civilians have died, and millions have been displaced, according to the United Nations. The latest developments in Aleppo risk escalating the situation further, with severe humanitarian consequences likely.
International and Humanitarian Concerns
The renewed violence in Aleppo has drawn international attention. Videos from Idlib show the aftermath of airstrikes, with devastated residential areas and injured civilians, including children. In one harrowing instance, a journalist recorded himself rescuing a child from a burning gas station, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
The offensive raises questions about the durability of the 2020 ceasefire and the future of Assad’s regime. As rebel forces consolidate gains, the potential for further regional destabilisation grows, particularly as Iran and Russia reaffirm their support for the Syrian government. The situation also underscores the enduring complexities of Syria’s war, with no clear resolution in sight.
With the conflict once again intensifying, the plight of Syrian civilians remains a pressing concern, as millions continue to face displacement, violence, and an uncertain future.
