The ongoing civil war in Syria, which has claimed the lives of over 300,000 people and displaced millions since 2011, is once again escalating, with significant implications for the region and beyond. The conflict began as a response to President Bashar al-Assad’s brutal crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations during the Arab Spring, leading to the formation of armed opposition forces supported by various foreign powers.
The opposition forces, comprised of different factions with a common goal of toppling Assad, received backing from countries like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the US. In response, Assad’s allies Iran and Russia increased their support, leading to a complex and protracted conflict. The rise of extremist groups like ISIS further complicated the situation, leading to international intervention to combat the terrorist organization.
The conflict saw a major development in 2020 with a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey regarding the last opposition-held province of Idlib. However, the recent resurgence of violence in Aleppo suggests that the conflict is far from over, with rebel forces forming new coalitions and making significant gains in the region.
The conflict reignited due to increased attacks from government forces and pro-Iranian militias, prompting rebel groups to launch offensives to retake territory. The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for the Syrian population and the broader Middle East region. The conflict in Syria continues to evolve, with no clear resolution in sight.
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