Aleppo has shifted from Syrian regime control for the first time since 2011, as Russian airstrikes intensify against jihadist rebels. The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has reclaimed significant territory, leading to a government counter-offensive. Recent clashes have resulted in over 320 deaths, prompting concerns of a new migration crisis in Europe. Iran continues its support for Assad, while the U.S. emphasizes the need for de-escalation and political dialogue to resolve the conflict.
Aleppo’s Shifting Control in the Syrian Conflict
For the first time since the onset of the Syrian conflict in 2011, the city of Aleppo is no longer under the dominion of the Syrian regime forces, as reported by Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, on Sunday. In the meantime, the Russian Air Force has intensified its attacks targeting jihadist rebels in northwestern Syria.
Aleppo, the second-largest city in Syria, witnessed brutal clashes throughout the civil war until its capture by government forces led by Bashar al-Assad in 2016. Recent reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) indicate that Russian airstrikes occurred in Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama provinces over the weekend, resulting in at least one civilian fatality and multiple injuries. The SOHR, based in the UK, gathers information through a network of informants on the ground, making verification of its claims challenging.
Escalation of Conflict in Northwestern Syria
This week, the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an offshoot of Al-Qaeda, has regained significant territory in northwestern Syria. On Saturday, these rebels made substantial advances into Aleppo, prompting Assad to declare a counter-offensive.
In a notable development since 2016, Russian forces executed airstrikes on targets in Aleppo over the past weekend. Oleg Ignasjuk, the deputy head of the Russian mission in Syria, announced that approximately 300 fighters were killed in the assaults aimed at command centers, artillery sites, and rebel supply depots.
Since 2011, Syria has been engulfed in a devastating war, with the government, supported by its allies Russia and Iran, controlling about two-thirds of the nation. The recent fighting in the northwest marks a significant escalation in the civil war after a prolonged period of stagnation. The SOHR reports that over 320 individuals, including 44 civilians, have lost their lives in the most intense clashes since 2020.
Iran has reaffirmed its steadfast backing for the Syrian leadership, with Foreign Minister Abbas Arraghchi set to visit Damascus to convey support for the Syrian government and its military. “We are committed to assisting the army and the government in Syria,” Arraghchi declared, expressing confidence in the Syrian army’s ability to overcome terrorist groups once more.
The US government has pointed to the Syrian leadership’s reliance on Iran and Russia as a factor contributing to the recent turmoil. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett emphasized that President Assad’s reluctance to pursue a political resolution has exacerbated the situation. He clarified that the US has no involvement in the offensive led by HTS.
Savett urged for de-escalation, civilian protection, and the initiation of a political dialogue aimed at ultimately resolving the ongoing civil war, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which promotes peace talks between the government and opposition factions.
Italy is expressing concerns about a potential new migration crisis stemming from the escalating violence in Syria. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cautioned on Sunday about the possibility of a mass migration wave towards Europe due to the civil war’s resurgence. “The real risk is that this new conflict triggers a migration collapse,” Tajani warned. In response, Italy has decided to reopen its embassy in Damascus and is coordinating efforts with other EU ambassadors to address the humanitarian crisis.
“Our primary interest lies in maintaining stability to mitigate the risk of migration and minimize tensions,” Tajani stated, highlighting the complex situation linked to events in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. He noted that the entire Middle East is experiencing significant instability, complicating any potential intervention or communication with ground fighters in Syria.