Syrian rebels have taken control of most of Aleppo, marking their largest advance in the city since 2016. The Assad regime confirmed the loss of “large parts” of the city, with dozens of its soldiers killed or wounded.
The offensive, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions, captured government buildings, prisons, and key city sectors, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The offensive coincides with renewed Russian airstrikes on Aleppo, the first since the city’s full recapture by regime forces in 2016.
HTS, an Islamist group controlling much of Idlib and parts of Aleppo, was joined by Turkish-backed rebels in a coordinated assault. Overnight, large reinforcements enabled the capture of dozens of towns and villages in northern Syria.
Clashes and Rising Death Toll
SOHR reported 311 deaths in recent clashes, including 183 rebels, 100 pro-regime forces, and 28 civilians. In Aleppo, HTS shelling killed four civilians. Government forces described a “broad attack” on Aleppo and Idlib fronts spanning over 100 km.
City Under Rebel Control
Rebels were seen praying and celebrating in central Aleppo, with opposition flags hoisted. Images showed rebel fighters posing near Assad’s portraits and burned billboards. The governor and security commanders reportedly fled the city.
Strategic Implications
Rebel advances include the capture of Saraqi, a key town southwest of Aleppo, and control of roads leading into the city. The offensive raises concerns over the fragile 2020 truce between Russia and Turkey in Idlib, already strained by repeated violations.
Russian warplanes continue targeting rebel positions, while Turkey demands an immediate end to the bombardment. Syrian state media confirmed that most public institutions in Aleppo have shut down, with residents sheltering at home amid the violence.
The escalating battle for Aleppo underscores Syria’s continued instability, with fears of further regional repercussions.