Syrian rebels, led by the extremist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, made significant progress in recapturing Aleppo, a city they were forced out of nearly a decade ago. The rebels launched a surprise incursion into government-controlled towns, making their way into Aleppo after facing little resistance due to Iran-backed forces being spread thin in the province. The rebels have also received support from Turkey, although the Turkish government denies any involvement in the offensive.
The rebel attack is considered a violation of Syrian sovereignty by Russia, a key ally of President Assad. Russian and Syrian forces have carried out airstrikes in an attempt to push back the rebels. The fighting has resulted in the deaths of at least 27 civilians, according to U.N. officials, with reports of civilian infrastructure being targeted.
The Syrian government continues to confront the attack, aiming to regain control of the area and restore constitutional order. The situation has raised concerns among humanitarian organizations, as the violence escalates in northwest Syria. The conflict in Syria, which began in 2011, has resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths.
There are also reports that Syrian President Assad may have traveled to Moscow for talks with Russian President Putin, although this has not been confirmed. The situation in Aleppo remains volatile, with conflicting reports from Syrian state media and rebel sources.
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