Syrian rebel forces announced a southward push after capturing significant portions of Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city, including its international airport, in a swift offensive that poses the greatest challenge to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in years.
Led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), thousands of fighters entered Aleppo on Friday, a city of 2 million residents. Images shared on opposition-affiliated social media depicted rebels raising their flag over Aleppo’s citadel and posing within the airport.
Having launched their assault on Wednesday, the rebels claimed advances in multiple directions from their stronghold in Idlib province. HTS also aimed for the key regime-held city of Hama, further south, and reported capturing four towns in Hama province—claims denied by the Syrian army.
President Assad, in his first remarks since the offensive, vowed to “defend Syria’s stability and territorial integrity against terrorists and their supporters.” The comments, broadcast by state agency SANA, followed a conversation with UAE leader Mohammed bin Zayed, who reaffirmed his country’s solidarity with Assad and commitment to combating terrorism.
The Syrian army initially refuted claims that rebels had secured Aleppo but acknowledged redeploying forces to launch a counterattack supported by Russian airstrikes. The Defense Ministry reported heavy casualties among Syrian troops during intense clashes.
The conflict underscores Assad’s growing challenges domestically and internationally in a war-torn nation devastated by years of civil war. Although Assad reclaimed most of Syria with help from allies like Russia and Iran, ongoing economic crises and insurgent activity have hampered stability.
Rebel gains reflect the regime’s vulnerabilities, exacerbated as Assad’s allies grapple with conflicts elsewhere, including Ukraine and the Middle East. HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani declared intentions to advance further, with old footage of him stating a goal to reach Damascus resurfacing on social media.
Meanwhile, Russian forces launched airstrikes to curtail rebel movements, claiming to have killed 300 militants and targeted rebel infrastructure. Diplomacy efforts among key stakeholders, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran, are underway to address the escalating conflict.