The Syrian civil war has reignited with a fresh insurgent capture of Aleppo, marking a significant turn in the conflict. This unexpected offensive was led by a coalition of rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA). They seized Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, amidst global distractions such as the Russia-Ukraine war and regional shifts involving Iran and Turkey.
The offensive exploited the geopolitical vacuum, disrupting the status quo and challenging the Assad regime's control. This development has divided Syria into zones with the Turkish-backed Sunni forces dominating the north, US-supported Kurdish forces in the northeast, and the Assad government holding the west and south. The Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), aligned with the US, control northeastern regions but face threats from Turkish operations aimed at their displacement.
Despite rebel gains, the Assad regime continues to receive backing from Russia and Iran, crucial for its efforts to regain lost territories like Aleppo. Meanwhile, HTS has evolved from an al-Qaida offshoot to a formidable force, leveraging its organizational capacity to establish governance in regions like Idlib.
The power struggle in Syria has drawn international attention, with countries like the US and Turkey urging dialogue amid the chaos. The conflict's resurgence has intensified humanitarian crises, as shortages of food and medical supplies loom.
This renewed turmoil underscores the fragile dynamics in Syria, with multiple actors vying for influence, making peace elusive. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalations as the Assad regime attempts to reclaim its lost ground.
