Syrian Rebels Enter Aleppo After Eight Years

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing Syrian conflict, armed rebel groups have entered the city of Aleppo for the first time since 2016. The unexpected offensive has brought renewed fighting to one of Syria’s most prominent cities, signaling a significant shift in the country’s war dynamics.

1. Rebel Forces Launch Surprise Offensive

This week, rebel groups launched a sudden and coordinated attack, quickly capturing key positions outside Aleppo.

Villages Taken: Several villages near the city fell to the rebels during the initial phase of the offensive.
Re-entry into Aleppo: For the first time in eight years, rebel forces entered the western part of the city.
Video Evidence: A video verified by CNN shows a rebel fighter driving through the empty streets of western Aleppo, near the Zine El Abidine Mosque, praising their success.

This marks the first major rebel advancement in Aleppo since government forces recaptured the city in 2016.

2. Government Response and Regime Setbacks

The Syrian military acknowledged the attack, calling it a “major offensive” and vowing to defend its positions.

Retreat from Key Areas: Despite reinforcements, regime forces reportedly pulled back from several neighborhoods in western Aleppo.
Military Scientific Research Center Captured: The newly formed rebel coalition, known as the Military Operations Command, announced it had taken control of the government’s Military Scientific Research Center after fierce clashes.

This development underscores the challenges faced by the Syrian military in maintaining control over contested regions.

3. Civilian Impact and Rising Casualties

The resurgence of conflict in Aleppo has brought significant harm to civilians, with multiple casualties reported.

A. Attack on Aleppo University

Artillery Strike: A shell hit a dormitory at Aleppo University, killing four people and injuring several others.
Eyewitness Accounts: Videos showed students fleeing the building, with some carrying injured peers.
Blame Game: The Syrian government accused rebels of the attack, but rebel spokesperson Hassan Abdulghani dismissed the claims as “false propaganda.”

B. Death Toll in Rebel-Held Areas

Airstrikes and Shelling: The White Helmets rescue group reported that at least 15 civilians, including six children, were killed in airstrikes on rebel-controlled areas in Aleppo and Idlib.
Injuries: Another 36 people were injured in the attacks.

The escalation has once again highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in the region.

4. Regional and International Reactions

The renewed fighting has drawn attention from international players, with accusations and alliances shaping the narrative.

A. Iranian Casualties and Support

Iranian Brigadier General Killed: An Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) officer, Brigadier General Kioumars Pourhashemi, was killed during the fighting in Aleppo.
Iran’s Position: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States and Israel of reactivating rebel forces and reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering support for the Assad regime.

B. Accusations Against External Forces

Iran has consistently accused Western powers and regional rivals of supporting rebel factions to destabilize Syria.

5. Implications of the Rebel Offensive

The re-entry of rebels into Aleppo signals a potential turning point in Syria’s prolonged conflict.

A. Renewed Fighting

After years of relative calm, the sudden flare-up could lead to prolonged battles in Aleppo and surrounding areas.
The offensive undermines government claims of complete control over the city.

B. Political and Military Ramifications

For the Assad Regime: The attack exposes vulnerabilities in regime-held territories.
For Rebel Groups: It represents a morale boost and re-establishes their presence in a key urban center.

C. Humanitarian Crisis

Continued fighting will likely worsen the already dire conditions for civilians in Aleppo and other affected regions.

The return of Syrian rebels to Aleppo after eight years marks a critical escalation in the conflict, with significant military, political, and humanitarian implications. As the fighting continues, the international community faces growing pressure to address the crisis.