Aleppo Falls to Rebels Amid Heavy Clashes

In a startling development, parts of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, have fallen under rebel control after a surprise offensive initiated four days ago by the Islamist Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group. The Syrian military has acknowledged significant casualties during intense clashes and has begun withdrawing to regroup for reinforcements. Previously, Aleppo experienced its bloodiest sieges during Syria's Civil War, which erupted in 2011. This recent escalation marks the first instance of such large-scale fighting since a truce was brokered by Russia and Turkey nearly five years ago. Russian and Syrian forces have recently resumed airstrikes targeting rebel positions. Rebel fighters are claiming a complete liberation of the city, expressing aspirations to advance further toward Homs and Damascus. Experts indicate that factors like the recent defeats of Iranian militias and a poorly coordinated Syrian defense may have contributed to the rebels’ rapid advances. However, concerns grow over the humanitarian implications of renewed combat in a city already strained by war, particularly for the estimated five million civilians still living there. The delicate balance of power and control in Aleppo is once again under severe threat, sparking international attention.