In a dramatic escalation of Syria's long-running civil war, rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) swept into Aleppo this weekend, marking the biggest challenge to President Bashar al-Assad's regime in years. The surprise offensive triggered intense Russian airstrikes in support of Syrian government forces, reigniting fears of renewed conflict in the war-torn nation.
Rebel Offensive Sparks Chaos
Dubbed a \"terrorist group\" by the U.S., Russia, and Türkiye, HTS fighters reportedly seized key areas including Aleppo's historic citadel district and the city’s airport. Social media videos showed rebels toppling statues of Assad family members and waving opposition flags—scenes not seen since government forces reclaimed Aleppo in 2016.
\"I was displaced in 2016… Thank God we just returned. It’s indescribable,\" said rebel fighter Ali Jumaa in footage broadcast online.
Russia Doubles Down
Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed launching strikes on rebel positions, claiming over 300 militant deaths. Local reports described missiles hitting civilian areas, with casualties in Basel Square. Syrian state media framed the army’s retreat as a strategic \"redeployment\" to protect civilians—a narrative critics call a major setback for Assad.
Global Reactions Heat Up
U.S. officials said they’re \"monitoring\" the crisis, while Iran accused the attacks of being part of an \"Israeli-U.S. plan\" to destabilize the region. Meanwhile, Russian and Turkish foreign ministers held urgent talks, agreeing to coordinate efforts to stabilize Syria.
Why Now?
Frontlines had frozen since 2020, but analysts say HTS’s bold move could reshape the conflict. With Assad’s grip weakening and global powers still divided, Aleppo—a symbolic battleground—is once again at the heart of Syria’s tragedy.
What’s Next?
As rebels consolidate gains in Idlib province and Aleppo, all eyes are on whether Assad’s Russian-backed forces can counterattack. One thing’s clear: Syria’s \"forgotten war\" is back in the headlines—and millions fear the worst.
