In a dramatic escalation, jihadist forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and their Turkish-backed allies have entered Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city. This offensive marks the most significant shift in control since government forces, supported by Russia and Iran, recaptured the city in 2016. The jihadists have swiftly taken over five districts, following twin suicide bombings that paved their way into the city. Their advances have also seen the capture of over 50 towns and villages in the regions of Aleppo and Idlib.
The offensive comes as a surprise, catching Syrian government forces off guard and triggering a response from Russian airstrikes targeting jihadist positions. Reports suggest that at least 255 people have been killed in the fighting, including civilians. The fall of Aleppo's defenses has also led to significant civilian displacement, with over 14,000 people fleeing the renewed violence.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has highlighted the jihadists' control over strategic routes, threatening key supply lines. This resurgence of conflict raises fears of a return to the intense warfare that has plagued Syria since the civil war began in 2011.
The international community watches with concern as the fragile ceasefire brokered in 2020 between Turkey and Russia appears to crumble. The renewed fighting not only threatens stability in the region but also underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria. With millions displaced and no political solution in sight, the Syrian conflict remains a complex and unresolved crisis.
