Northern Syria is once again at the epicenter of intense conflict as opposition forces, in a stunning show of coordination, launched a massive offensive that has dramatically shifted control across key regions. The newly formed rebel coalition, operating under the banner of the Military Operations Command, has swiftly captured significant areas in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. This includes strategically critical locations such as Aleppo’s airport and a major military base east of the city.
Rebel Offensive Reshapes Control in Northern Syria
These rapid gains have not only weakened the government’s control but have also posed one of the most significant challenges to the Syrian regime in over eight years. Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, has largely fallen to the opposition, making it exceedingly difficult for the government to carry out the counteroffensive it promised. Kurdish forces, however, continue to hold control over certain neighborhoods within Aleppo, adding another layer of complexity to the already chaotic situation on the ground.
The rebel coalition’s success has been aided by the relative absence of resistance from government forces on the ground. This comes at a time when Syria’s primary allies—Russia and Iran—appear to be focused on their own pressing issues, leaving the Syrian government vulnerable. The offensive is being led by a coalition of groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a faction formerly associated with al-Qaeda, Turkish-backed factions, and groups that previously enjoyed support from Western powers.
The implications of the rebels’ rapid advances are profound, as the renewed violence has reignited Syria’s long-running civil war, a conflict that has devastated the nation, killing over 300,000 people and displacing millions. The opposition’s territorial gains have further fragmented the battlefield, complicating efforts to stabilize the region.
Intensified Airstrikes in Response to Rebel Gains
In response to the rebel advances, Syrian and Russian aircraft have launched relentless airstrikes targeting opposition-controlled areas across Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama provinces. The strikes, described by the Syrian government as an effort to disrupt rebel supply lines and eliminate “terrorist positions,” have caused widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
On Sunday, an airstrike near Aleppo University killed at least four people, with footage verified by international agencies confirming the devastation. In a public square in western Aleppo, a similar hit on Saturday took multiple life. The source of these strikes remains unclear, with both Russian and Syrian regime planes operating in the region.
In addition, a Russian airstrike reportedly damaged a Franciscan convent in Aleppo. Though there were no injuries reported, the incident has drawn international concern over the targeting of civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, in Idlib province, which now appears to be entirely under rebel control, airstrikes killed at least four people, according to reports from the White Helmets, a volunteer rescue group operating in opposition-held territories.
The intensification of airstrikes highlights the determination of the Syrian government and its allies to regain lost ground, even as the conflict causes further suffering for civilians caught in the crossfire. The bombings have not only targeted rebel positions but also critical infrastructure, making life increasingly difficult for those living in the affected areas.
Multi-Front Conflict and Shifting Alliances
The resurgence of fighting has revealed the deeply fragmented and multi-faceted nature of Syria’s civil war. The rebel coalition, while united in its efforts to oust government forces, is far from a monolithic entity. It comprises various factions with differing agendas, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Turkish-backed groups, and others.
As the rebel coalition presses forward, it has also turned its attention to territories held by Kurdish forces, further complicating the situation. The Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army, a key player in the coalition, has announced the capture of several towns and villages in northern Aleppo, including Tal Rifaat, Ain Daqna, and Sheikh Issa. These areas were previously controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led group that has played a crucial role in fighting ISIS.
The SDF, primarily composed of Kurdish fighters from the People’s Protection Units (YPG), has previously received support from the United States for its efforts against ISIS. However, Turkey views the YPG as a terrorist organization due to its links to Kurdish separatist groups within Turkey. This complex dynamic has led to clashes between rebel factions and Kurdish forces, further destabilizing the region.
Fractured Alliances and Civilian Suffering in Northern Syria
The ongoing battles have exposed the fractured alliances and competing interests at play in Syria. While the opposition’s gains represent a significant blow to the government, they also raise questions about the future governance of the regions under rebel control. The involvement of groups like HTS, with their Islamist leanings, has sparked concerns over the implications for the local population and the broader international community.
The renewed violence has plunged northern Syria into a state of chaos, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, and families face dire shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. As airstrikes and ground battles continue, the region remains locked in a devastating and deeply complex struggle, with no immediate resolution in sight.