Syrian Jihadi Rebels Launch Largest Offensive in Years, Seizing Most of Aleppo

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.

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.

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.

Experts interviewed by AFP suggest the operation underscores the regime’s fragility and possible complacency after years of reduced conflict.