Jihadists and their Turkish-backed allies launched a lightning assault on Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, capturing half of it on Friday as government forces, supported by Iran and Russia, retreated without significant resistance. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) confirmed the rapid advance, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Key Developments
The offensive began Wednesday, coinciding with a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon. By Friday, the fighters had taken control of over 50 towns and villages in northern Syria, advancing into Aleppo’s western districts. This city, once Syria’s pre-war manufacturing hub with a population of about two million, now faces renewed devastation.
SOHR director Rami Abdel Rahman stated that government troops retreated without firing a single shot in some areas. However, clashes were reported in New Aleppo district. State media also reported shelling by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group, which killed four civilians in a student residence.
Humanitarian Crisis
The violence has displaced over 14,000 people, nearly half of them children, according to the United Nations. Many residents remain fearful, recalling the devastating sieges of the past. Sarmad, a 51-year-old resident, said, “We’re scared war will break out again, forcing us to leave our homes.” Others worry about blocked roads causing shortages of fuel and essential supplies.
Strategic Gains
The jihadists and their allies have cut the highway linking Aleppo to Damascus, disrupting critical supply lines. They also seized the strategic town of Saraqib, which lies on the route to Aleppo. These advances highlight their preparedness and the government’s lack of readiness, despite Russian air cover.
Government and International Response
Syrian and Russian forces have responded with heavy airstrikes targeting jihadist positions in Idlib province. Russia’s defense ministry confirmed strikes on “control points and warehouses.” Meanwhile, Turkey has demanded an immediate halt to the bombardment, citing escalating regional tensions.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the events in Aleppo as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and expressed support for the Assad government to restore control. Iran also reaffirmed its backing for Syria, while military analysts noted that anti-government forces seem strategically better positioned for territorial gains.
The situation marks a dangerous turning point, exacerbating Syria’s already dire humanitarian crisis and further destabilizing the region.
