Insurgents breached Syria’s largest city, Aleppo, for the first time since 2016, leading to clashes with government forces, according to reports. The surprise attack sent residents fleeing and added fresh uncertainty to a region already reeling from multiple wars and conflicts. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported dozens of deaths on both sides, indicating a significant escalation in violence in the region.
The attack on Aleppo was led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, representing one of the largest offensives by opposition factions in recent years. The swift advance of the insurgents caught many by surprise, as Syrian government forces appeared weak and retreated in the face of the assault. The advance also comes at a time when Iran-linked groups like Hezbollah have been preoccupied with internal battles.
The offensive in Aleppo follows weeks of escalating violence in the region, which had seen government attacks on opposition-held areas, in violation of a 2019 agreement aimed at freezing the conflict. Turkey, a supporter of Syrian opposition groups, failed in its diplomatic efforts to prevent the attacks, leading to the insurgents’ offensive towards Aleppo.
The breach of Aleppo’s city limits is seen as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty by the Kremlin, which called for the establishment of constitutional order in the region. The Syrian government did not comment on the insurgents’ advancement, but armed forces pledged to repel the attack and accused the insurgents of spreading false information. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that insurgents also seized control of the town of Saraqeb, a strategic location connecting major highways in the region.
The escalation of violence in Aleppo points to a new phase in the Syrian conflict, with various factions vying for control amidst a backdrop of regional and international tensions.
Source
Photo credit www.sun-sentinel.com
