Syrian Rebels Capture Aleppo in Major Escalation of Civil War

Syrian Rebels Capture Aleppo in Major Escalation of Civil War

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Syrian Rebels Capture Aleppo in Major Escalation of Civil War

Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, launched a surprise offensive on November 26, seizing Aleppo from Assad's forces by November 30, marking a major escalation in the Syrian Civil War, exploiting the weakening of Assad's backers amid regional conflicts.

English
Israel
Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (Hts)Syrian National ArmyHezbollahSyrian Democratic Forces (Sdf)Russian Air ForceIranian MilitaryUnited States MilitaryTurkish MilitaryUn
Bashar Al-AssadAbu Mohammed Al-GolaniJake SullivanGeir PedersenHakan Fidan
What are the immediate consequences of the rebel capture of Aleppo?
Syrian rebels, primarily Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly al-Qaeda's affiliate, and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, launched a surprise offensive on November 26, seizing Aleppo from President Bashar al-Assad's forces by November 30. This marks the first regime loss of Aleppo since 2016 and represents a major escalation of the Syrian Civil War, potentially destabilizing the region.
How did regional power dynamics contribute to the renewed conflict in Syria?
The rebels capitalized on the weakening of Assad's main backers—Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah—due to their involvement in regional conflicts, including the recent Lebanon-Israel war. Turkey, while attempting to restrain the rebels, is frustrated by Assad's refusal to negotiate a political solution and expresses concern over Kurdish groups. This offensive highlights the complex interplay of regional powers and the failure of past peace initiatives.
What are the long-term implications of this offensive for regional stability and the Syrian peace process?
The renewed conflict in Syria could significantly impact regional stability, potentially exacerbating existing tensions between regional powers. The long-term consequences depend on the response of Russia, Iran, and Turkey, as well as the international community. A renewed focus on diplomatic solutions is critical to preventing further escalation and humanitarian suffering.