Syrian Rebels Advance into Central Aleppo Amid Military Withdrawal

Unexpected Offensive Shakes Government Control

In a surprising turn of events, the Syrian military has announced a temporary withdrawal of its troops from the northwestern city of Aleppo. This decision comes in the wake of a sudden and aggressive offensive launched by rebel groups, marking the first significant challenge to government forces in years. The military reported that dozens of its soldiers had been killed or wounded in intense clashes with what they termed “armed terrorist organizations” in both Aleppo and the neighboring Idlib governorate over the past few days.

Rebel Gains and Military Response

The Syrian army stated that rebel factions, primarily led by the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, initiated a broad attack from multiple fronts, resulting in fierce fighting across a stretch exceeding 100 kilometers (60 miles). The military acknowledged that rebels had managed to penetrate large areas of Aleppo, although they claimed that ongoing bombardments prevented the insurgents from establishing permanent positions within the city. The army vowed to expel the rebels and restore state control over Aleppo and its surrounding areas.

This marked the first official recognition by the Syrian military of the HTS's entry into Aleppo during this rapid offensive, which has taken many by surprise. Al Jazeera's correspondent, Resul Serdar, reported that the central and northwestern parts of Aleppo are now under the control of HTS-led fighters, who are also reportedly advancing towards the city of Hama.

Civilian Impact and Airstrikes

As the conflict escalates, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Syrian state television indicated that Russian air support was being provided to the Syrian military, intensifying the conflict. The Syrian Civil Defence, a rescue organization operating in opposition-held areas, reported that airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces targeted residential neighborhoods, a petrol station, and a school in Idlib, resulting in civilian casualties.

In response to the escalating violence, Syrian authorities have closed Aleppo airport and canceled all flights, further isolating the city. The rebels have also claimed control of the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib and a crucial highway linking Aleppo to the capital, Damascus.

Shifting Dynamics in the Conflict

Witnesses in Aleppo reported that rebel fighters were actively searching for government soldiers, with some captured soldiers being treated well and moved to safety. The recent advances by HTS have allowed some displaced civilians to return to their homes, highlighting the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict.

This surge in fighting represents the most intense clashes in northwestern Syria since 2020, when a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey aimed to de-escalate tensions following significant territorial gains by government forces. Turkey has historically supported various opposition groups and maintains a military presence in the region, while the United States has focused on supporting Kurdish forces against ISIS in eastern Syria.

Future Implications

The rapid advance of HTS has caught the Syrian government off guard, with analysts suggesting that the distractions faced by its allies, particularly Hezbollah and Iran, due to conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, may have contributed to this unexpected turn of events. The critical question now is whether the Syrian regime, along with its allies, will allow HTS to maintain control over Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, or if they will retaliate to reclaim lost ground.

As the situation continues to evolve, the implications for both the Syrian government and the opposition forces remain uncertain, with the potential for further escalation in this long-standing conflict.