The recent resurgence of hostilities in Syria has seen Islamist militias, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), mounting a significant offensive against Syrian government forces, capturing over 50 towns and villages in the northwest. This offensive, notably reaching the outskirts of Aleppo, marks a major escalation in the conflict, which has been ongoing since 2011 and has already led to over 500,000 deaths and millions displaced.
The Syrian government, supported by Russian airstrikes, has responded fiercely, targeting rebel-held areas, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties and mass displacement. Despite claims of civilian protection, the Syrian military's counterattacks have not spared non-combatant populations, further worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Russia's involvement has been prominent, providing crucial support to President Bashar al-Assad's regime, which has regained control of about two-thirds of the country with assistance from Iran and Hezbollah. The Kremlin has condemned the rebel offensive, while Iran has reiterated its support for Assad.
The offensive has disrupted the fragile ceasefire in Idlib and threatens to destabilize the region further. Aleppo, a city that has seen intense fighting throughout the civil war, faces new threats as rebels attempt to reclaim territories lost in previous years.
Amidst the chaos, international reactions are mixed. Turkey's position remains unclear, although Turkish-backed factions have joined the offensive. Meanwhile, Israel's increased airstrikes on Iranian positions in Syria add another layer of complexity to the conflict.
The latest developments underscore the enduring volatility of the Syrian civil war, with no clear political resolution in sight, leaving millions of Syrians in a continual state of uncertainty and danger.
