By Smartencyclopedia Newsdesk with Agencies
Aleppo, Syria – Armed groups opposing the regime of President Bashar al-Assad have broken through to the city center of Aleppo, marking a significant escalation in the Syrian conflict. After days of intense fighting, opposition forces reportedly seized control of critical areas on the western outskirts of the city, according to local sources.
The breakthrough occurred late Thursday night, with anti-regime forces advancing along the Hamdaniyya, New Aleppo, and Zahra axes in Aleppo’s western countryside. The offensive followed three days of fierce clashes in Aleppo and neighboring Idlib provinces, culminating in the capture of approximately 400 square kilometers (154 square miles) of territory, including 70 settlements and strategic positions.
Strategic Gains in a Symbolic City
Aleppo, once Syria’s economic powerhouse, has been a central battleground in the country’s prolonged civil war. The latest advance by opposition forces underscores the persistent instability in the region and the fragility of Assad’s hold over key urban centers.
Opposition sources reported that the operation targeted regime defenses weakened by stretched resources and competing conflicts across Syria. The offensive is said to have been spearheaded by a coalition of armed groups, including Islamist factions and Turkish-backed forces operating under the banner of the Syrian National Army (SNA).
The Syrian military, supported by allied militias, has mounted a counteroffensive to regain control. State media described the attackers as “terrorists,” claiming that regime forces inflicted “heavy losses” on opposition fighters. However, reports from the ground indicate that regime lines have crumbled under sustained pressure in several areas.
Humanitarian Fallout
The renewed violence has triggered a humanitarian crisis. An estimated 10,000 civilians have fled the affected areas, seeking refuge in rural Idlib. Displaced families face dire conditions as they grapple with limited access to food, water, and medical care in overcrowded camps.
The Syrian Civil Defence, known as the White Helmets, has called for immediate assistance, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid.
Regional Implications
The offensive in Aleppo comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions across the region. Opposition forces accuse the Assad regime and allied militias of escalating hostilities, while regime forces contend with increasing pressure from Israeli airstrikes and ongoing instability in neighboring Lebanon.
Russia, a key ally of Assad, has resumed airstrikes in support of regime forces in recent weeks, complicating efforts to de-escalate the conflict. Analysts suggest that the opposition’s advance may further strain Assad’s military resources as his forces are stretched thin across multiple fronts.
International Concerns
The United Nations has expressed alarm over the escalating violence. David Carden, the UN’s Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further civilian suffering.
“We are deeply concerned about the impact of this escalation on innocent lives,” Carden said. “All parties must prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.”
The International Rescue Committee has echoed these calls, urging warring factions to adhere to international humanitarian law and protect displaced populations.
Outlook
As Aleppo once again becomes a flashpoint in Syria’s protracted civil war, the situation on the ground remains volatile. The opposition’s gains represent a significant challenge to Assad’s forces, but whether they can sustain this momentum remains uncertain.
Observers fear that continued clashes could plunge the region into further chaos, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation and complicating international efforts to stabilize Syria.