elpais.com
Rebel Forces Seize Aleppo and Hama Amidst Syrian Regime Collapse
The Syrian army retreated from Aleppo and Hama on Saturday, surrendering the cities to a joint offensive by Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) and rebel factions. The offensive, the largest in five years, highlights the weakening of the Syrian regime due to Russia's Ukraine involvement and the impact of Israeli strikes on pro-Iranian forces.
- What are the immediate consequences of the Syrian army's retreat from Aleppo and Hama?
- The Syrian regime's defenses, bolstered by Iran and Russia, are collapsing due to Russia's involvement in the Ukraine invasion and Israeli strikes weakening pro-Iranian forces, particularly Hezbollah. On Saturday, the Syrian army retreated from Aleppo, allowing Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) and Syrian National Army (SNA) rebels to seize control of much of the city and Hama.
- What are the potential long-term geopolitical implications of the rebel advance and the regime's weakening?
- The fall of Aleppo and Hama marks a turning point in the Syrian war. The regime's ability to regain control is uncertain given the significant losses and the involvement of multiple factions, indicating potential long-term geopolitical consequences.
- How have external factors such as the war in Ukraine and Israeli strikes contributed to the current crisis in Syria?
- This significant territorial shift is a direct consequence of Russia diverting military resources and weakening of pro-regime militias. The rebels' rapid advance showcases the fragility of the Syrian regime, highlighting the impact of external conflicts and internal divisions.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the military setbacks of the Syrian regime and the rapid advances of the rebel groups. The headline (if there was one) and the opening paragraphs likely highlight the regime's retreat from Aleppo and Hama, creating a sense of dramatic collapse. The use of words like 'desmoronando' (crumbling) and 'imparable avance' (unstoppable advance) to describe the situation likely contributes to this framing. While this accurately reflects the current military situation, it might overshadow other crucial aspects of the conflict, such as diplomatic efforts or the internal divisions within the rebel forces.