By Smartencyclopedia Newsdesk with Agencies
Aleppo and Idlib Provinces Witness Fierce Clashes as Rebels Advance
Aleppo, Syria – Rebel forces in northwestern Syria have launched their most significant offensive in years, capturing strategic territory from President Bashar al-Assad’s forces. This escalation, spearheaded by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions, has further destabilized the war-torn region, raising fears of a broader conflict.
Rapid Gains Amid Heavy Fighting
Since Wednesday, HTS and its allies have overrun towns and villages across Aleppo and Idlib provinces, including the Syrian military’s 46th Regiment base and several strategic highways. By Thursday, the rebels had reportedly cut the M5 highway—Syria’s vital north-south artery—near Zarbah and seized control of the M4 interchange near Saraqeb, a key logistical hub.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the rebels are now within 10 kilometers (6 miles) of Aleppo city. The fighting has claimed over 180 combatant lives in just two days: 121 rebels and 61 government-aligned forces, according to SOHR. At least 19 civilians have also been killed in Syrian and Russian airstrikes, with the number expected to rise.
A Crippling Humanitarian Toll
The violence has severely impacted civilians, particularly in opposition-held areas like Atareb and Darat Izza, which have suffered devastating airstrikes. The White Helmets, Syria’s Civil Defence organization, reported that 14 civilians were killed in Atareb alone, including women and children.
The UN Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, David Carden, expressed alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation, as nearly 7,000 families have been displaced and critical infrastructure, including schools and health facilities, has been forced to shut down.
Geopolitical Ripple Effects
The offensive comes amid heightened regional tensions. The wars in Gaza and Lebanon appear to be catalyzing the Syrian conflict, with observers noting that Assad’s forces and allied Iran-backed militias are stretched thin due to external conflicts.
In Lebanon, the Iran-backed Hezbollah has been severely weakened by an Israeli military campaign, while Israeli airstrikes inside Syria have targeted Iran-affiliated militia groups. Meanwhile, Russia, Assad’s staunch ally, is preoccupied with the war in Ukraine, reducing its capacity to intervene decisively in Syria.
Strategic Implications
HTS and its allies have framed the offensive as a preemptive strike to “deter aggression,” accusing the Assad regime of escalating hostilities. However, analysts suggest that the rebels are exploiting the Syrian government’s divided focus to gain ground in a long-contested region.
Control over highways such as the M4 and M5 not only disrupts government supply chains but also strengthens the rebels’ strategic position near major urban centers like Aleppo.
A Fractured Ceasefire in Tatters
The 2020 ceasefire brokered by Turkey and Russia to halt a government offensive in Idlib has long been fragile. While it had reduced large-scale violence, sporadic clashes and airstrikes have continued. The recent escalation marks a significant departure from the relative calm of recent years.
HTS’s resurgence underscores its continued dominance in Idlib, a region home to over 4 million people, many of whom are internally displaced and living in dire conditions. The group’s actions have heightened fears of a renewed government offensive, further complicating the humanitarian crisis.
Calls for De-escalation
The International Rescue Committee has urged all parties to de-escalate, emphasizing the dire impact on civilians and humanitarian operations. With health facilities overwhelmed and thousands of families displaced, the need for immediate relief is critical.
As the conflict intensifies, the future of northwest Syria remains uncertain. The international community faces mounting pressure to mediate and prevent further loss of life in a region already devastated by more than a decade of war.
Sources: Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, White Helmets, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, International Rescue Committee