In brief
The recent surprise offensive by rebel fighters has led to their control over most of Aleppo, with limited resistance from government forces. This marks a critical moment in the ongoing Syrian civil war, which had been largely stagnant for years.
In a dramatic turn in Syria's civil war, antigovernment rebels have seized control of most of Aleppo, the country’s largest city. This rapid advance, reported on Saturday, came just four days after the rebels launched a surprise offensive. Many government forces retreated, allowing rebels to occupy key areas with little resistance.For the first time since 2016, Syrian government warplanes conducted airstrikes on Aleppo neighborhoods. In the past, Aleppo had been a focal point in the battle between government forces, led by President Bashar al-Assad, and opposition groups. The city's governor and security officials reportedly fled the city center, highlighting the swift change in control. Additionally, Russian forces also conducted airstrikes in nearby areas, but it’s unclear if they targeted Aleppo directly. The recent events have reignited fears of escalating conflict and instability in a civil war that had shown signs of dormancy over recent years.Returning residents and rebels shared images online, showcasing their control over historical landmarks in Aleppo, while Syrian state media refuted the claims, describing the rebels as “terrorists.” The narrative surrounding the civil war continues to morph as control shifts rapidly in this impactful conflict.
