Syrian rebels march on Aleppo.Photo: Expert.
Syrian rebels have launched one of the largest offensives in the last four years against Bashar al-Assad’s government positions in the western part of Aleppo province. This offensive has become a serious challenge for the Syrian regime, as well as for its strategic allies, Russia and Iran, whose influence on the situation in Syria is decisive. The rebels, backed by international forces, said their actions were a response to numerous artillery attacks by government forces and an attempt to prevent further attacks on their territory. This was reported by the Time Ukraine Israel portal, citing Israelinfo.
Strategic strikes on Aleppo: a new stage in the conflict
The rebel attack on Aleppo is not only a tactical step, but also an important strategic moment in the long-running conflict. The rebels captured 13 settlements, including important cities such as Urm al-Sughra and Anjara, as well as the base of the 46th Division, one of the Syrian army’s strongholds in the region. During the fighting, a significant amount of equipment and weapons belonging to the government forces were captured. These successes were made possible by the unification of forces led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, which controls the northwestern part of Syria. This organisation is known to have close ties with al-Qaeda, which further complicates the situation for the Assad regime.
The rebels emphasise that their actions are a response to the aggressive artillery shelling carried out by the Syrian army on their territories, as well as to the violation of the ceasefire, which led to numerous civilian casualties. The attack on western Aleppo not only destabilises the situation in the region, but also aims to prevent further offensives by government forces.
Losses among Assad’s forces and the death of an Iranian general
In the first days of fighting, Syrian troops suffered heavy losses. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 54 Syrian army soldiers were killed, as well as 99 fighters from opposition groups. Particularly important is the death of Iranian General Kioumars Pourhashemi, who was a military adviser in Syria and personally coordinated operations in Aleppo. His death is an important loss for Iran, which has been actively supporting the Syrian government in the war against the rebels. The general’s death also calls into question the effectiveness of Iran’s strategy in Syria, which is currently under increased pressure from the Syrian opposition.
At the same time, the civilian population of Aleppo, which has been suffering from the fighting for many years, has once again found itself at the epicentre of the conflict. Air strikes by the Syrian army and Russian bombing in response to the rebel offensive have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, including children, as well as the destruction of homes and infrastructure.
Opposition victory in Aleppo: strategic importance for Syria
If the rebels succeed in reaching Aleppo itself, it will be not only a military achievement but also a symbolic victory. The return of Aleppo to the opposition would be the biggest success for the rebels since 2016, when the city was captured by government forces. The loss of Aleppo to the Assad regime would be a severe blow that could lead to a change in the balance of power in Syria. It also underscores the importance of international support in the fight for freedom and independence, as countries that oppose the aggression of Russia and Iran can change the course of the war.
The conflict in Syria continues to be one of the most tense and complex in the world, but recent events show that Syrian rebels, with the support of the international community, have a chance to change the balance of power. By supporting the opposition, Israel and Ukraine are making an important contribution to the struggle for peace and stability in the Middle East. They are helping to weaken the influence of Russia and Iran, which is key to restoring justice and freedom in Syria.
