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Syrian Rebels Launch Largest Offensive in Years, Seizing Most of Aleppo
(TJV) Rebel forces opposing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have initiated their most significant offensive in years this week, reportedly taking control of most of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, according to AFP and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Government Retreat and Rebel Gains
AFP reports that Syrian government forces offered minimal resistance, with the military admitting that rebels had entered “large parts” of Aleppo. This marks a dramatic shift in the civil war, reigniting conflict in regions that had seen relative calm.
Why Now?
According to AFP, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a jihadist group led by Al-Qaeda’s former Syria branch, and allied factions launched the assault on Wednesday. Their attack targeted government-controlled areas in Aleppo and Idlib.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told AFP that dozens of towns and villages had fallen to the rebels, who now control the majority of Aleppo. The fighting has resulted in 311 deaths, including at least 28 civilians.
Christians of Aleppo have fled to the Kurdish neighborhoods where the Kurds, even the elderly women, are taking up arms to defend Kurds and Christians.
But how long can they resist Turkish-backed jihadists?
The world must support the Kurds, the only democratic forces in Syria. pic.twitter.com/JzdzXQumXH
— Hemdad Mehristani (@Mehristani) November 30, 2024
Dareen Khalifa, a researcher at the International Crisis Group, told AFP that the rebels had been preparing for this for months, framing it as a response to increased regime and Russian strikes. Khalifa added that the timing was influenced by broader geopolitical shifts, including Hezbollah’s recent truce with Israel and increased Turkish assertiveness.
Many reports claim a direct Turkish connection to the “rebels”, social media monitoring revealed.
Major Powers at Play
AFP highlights that global players, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran, are monitoring developments closely. Moscow, a key Assad ally, expressed hope for swift restoration of order in Aleppo, while Tehran attributed the offensive to a U.S.-Israeli destabilization plot. Meanwhile, Turkey condemned strikes on Idlib and may ramp up its support for rebel factions.
These are the “Syrian rebels” attacking Aleppo.
These ISIS terrorists are fully backed, armed, and funded by NATO member Turkey.
Stop calling ISIS terrorists “freedom fighters.” pic.twitter.com/PpFFp3nQcw
— Hemdad Mehristani (@Mehristani) November 29, 2024
Impact on Assad’s Regime
The offensive represents the Syrian government’s most significant territorial loss in years. Rebels have severed key supply lines, including the Damascus-Aleppo M5 highway, and gained control of strategic junctions. Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory, told AFP that regime forces showed minimal resistance despite Russian air cover.
The Syrian rebels are jihadists. There is no good side between them and the Assad regime.
It’s a good thing that the regime is crumbling down, but there’s no need to cheer for literal ISIS-like Islamists.
Just pray for the Christian, Druze and Yazidi minority of Aleppo! pic.twitter.com/V8iRtdqfeb
— Dr. Maalouf (@realMaalouf) November 29, 2024
Experts interviewed by AFP suggest the operation underscores the regime’s fragility and possible complacency after years of reduced conflict.
Syrian Christians in #Aleppo, #Syria, are in grave danger from the invading demonic #AlQaeda/#ISIS terrorists who have already begun removing all Christmas decorations and beheading captured soldiers. Western Media are cheering on the terrorists and calling them by the propaganda… pic.twitter.com/WhjHfikFHT
— Iraqi Christian Foundation (@iraqschristians) November 30, 2024
