Syria's civil war, ignited in 2011, remains a fierce battleground as new hostilities erupt, particularly in Aleppo. Islamist rebel factions, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have launched a significant offensive against President Bashar al-Assad's forces, capitalizing on the weakened state of his traditional allies, Russia and Iran. This resurgence of violence comes despite a broader regional ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Assad's grip on power has been tenuous, with his forces struggling to repel the advancing rebels who have captured large portions of Aleppo. The strategic importance of this city cannot be overstated; its fall represents a major setback for the Syrian regime. Russian airstrikes have been reinitiated to bolster Assad's defenses, reminiscent of their intervention during the 2016 Battle of Aleppo.
Turkey, under President Erdogan, appears to be supporting the rebel advance, further complicating the regional dynamics. Meanwhile, the United States and the European Union remain largely on the sidelines, limiting their engagement in the conflict.
The humanitarian situation is dire, with Aleppo's residents facing shortages of basic necessities like food and water. The fear of reprisals from both Assad's regime and the Islamist rule imposed by HTS looms large. International calls for a political resolution have yet to yield significant progress.
The ongoing conflict in Syria reflects a complex interplay of local and international forces, with each party pursuing its own strategic interests. As the situation unfolds, the potential for further escalation remains high, threatening to destabilize the region even further.
