Rebel Groups Advance in Syria With an Attack On Aleppo City

Photo: New York Times

Rebel groups belonging to the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militant group launched an attack on Aleppo city in Syria on Wednesday, 29th of November. These groups captured several towns and villages around the city, gaining a significant amount of control in Aleppo for the first time. As of right now, 4 civilians have lost their lives under fire started by members of these groups and an estimated 14.000 people, including women and children have been displaced.

Syria has been dealing with militant group attacks for decades now. In its recent history, the country has dealt with militant groups including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham with many attacks and active war initiated by either of the sides.

The attack on Aleppo is the largest recorded incident of a militant group related attack in Syria since 2020, when the Syrian defence forces seized crucial rebel controlled areas. It is also important to note that similar rebel groups have control over the city of Idlib. Since the matter on Wednesday, international eye turned towards Syria.  

Since the matter on Wednesday, international eyes have turned towards Syria. Concerns rose whether the Syrian government would fall, leaving rebel militant groups in power. However, multiple Syrian civil sources, the Syrian government and president Bashar al-Assad disregarded this possibility, saying that the Syrian people and government will hold power. 

This event triggered international attention, specifically from Syria’s allies and border-sharing countries. Syrian and Russian fighter jets bombed the northwest Syrian-Turkish border in order to push back the rebel groups from Aleppo. Total drawback from the area has not yet been achieved, yet Syrian and Russian fighter jets continue to pressure the rebel groups in Aleppo. One of Syria’s closest allies, Iran, also showed their support in fighting against terrorist groups in Syria, via phone call.

A definite answer whether Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s rebel groups will leave Aleppo has not yet been achieved. Reactions from other world leaders also are expected. We will keep you updated as this situation escalates and more sources of information come out.

Source: Reuters

Author: Defne Doğan