News EditorIslamist rebels, long confined to a mountainous stronghold in Syria, have stormed into Aleppo, marking a dramatic shift in the country’s conflict. Fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) now roam the streets of the ancient city, tearing down symbols of President Bashar al-Assad’s rule and celebrating their unexpected victory.
The swift offensive, which began only days ago, has seen HTS insurgents take control of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, and push south toward Hama, a key government-held city. Footage from the opposition channel Aleppo Today shows militants in Aleppo’s central plaza and crowds toppling a statue of Bassel al-Assad, the president’s late brother, amid celebratory gunfire.
Government Forces Retreat, Rebels Advance
Syrian forces withdrew from several key positions, including Aleppo’s civilian airport, which was subsequently closed. Rebels also seized a critical military base to the south and the strategic town of Saraqib, located on the highway to Damascus. Meanwhile, Turkish-backed Syrian rebels launched parallel attacks on Kurdish and government forces in an attempt to capture a military airport east of Aleppo.
The Syrian military described its retreat as a “redeployment operation” aimed at preserving lives and preparing for a counteroffensive. “The overwhelming number of fighters and the multiplicity of battlefronts prompted this tactical move,” the military said.
Regional Dynamics at Play
The sudden rebel advances have surprised Assad’s allies in Moscow and Tehran. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, is expected in Damascus to discuss the situation, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held talks with his Turkish counterpart about the unfolding crisis.
Russian and Syrian airstrikes have been reported around Aleppo, signaling that Assad’s allies are scrambling to respond. Analysts believe the Syrian government underestimated the insurgents’ capabilities.
Jerome Drevon of the International Crisis Group highlighted the years HTS spent formalizing its forces, which allowed them to overpower disorganized Syrian government troops. “No one expected Aleppo to fall this quickly,” he said.
HTS and the Future of Aleppo
HTS, led by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, has controlled Idlib province for years, but this offensive marks its most significant territorial gain in a decade. Jolani, who carries a $10 million U.S. bounty, has been trying to position HTS as a governing authority in Idlib, though allegations of dissent suppression and reliance on dwindling international aid have marred its rule.
While HTS’s swift success in Aleppo raises questions about its ability to hold the city, it also presents a profound challenge to Assad’s regime. Sam Heller of the Century Foundation noted that holding rural areas could be difficult if Damascus and its allies launch heavy airstrikes. However, insurgent control of Aleppo itself may prove harder to dislodge in the long term.
A Fragile Regime Under Pressure
The Syrian government, backed by Russian airpower and Iranian militias, seized Aleppo in 2016 after years of brutal urban warfare. This loss represents a symbolic and strategic blow to Assad, whose regime appeared to have consolidated power in recent years.
The insurgents’ success could inspire renewed uprisings across Syria and raise questions about Assad’s capacity to mobilize resources amid Russia’s involvement in Ukraine. Heller suggested that Assad’s fractured control might make mounting a counterattack more challenging.
Humanitarian Concerns Mount
The offensive has further strained Syria’s humanitarian crisis. Thousands of families in Idlib face freezing winter conditions without shelter, said Sudipta Kumar of ActionAid. The conflict continues to devastate the region, with no end in sight.
A Pivotal Moment
For Assad’s opponents in exile and within Syria, the events in Aleppo signal a potential turning point. Whether HTS can expand its territorial control or inspire broader resistance remains to be seen. Drevon noted, “They have been waiting for this battle for a long time.”
As Syria’s war enters a new phase, the implications of this offensive could ripple far beyond Aleppo, reshaping the balance of power in the Middle East.
