Syrian insurgents have launched their biggest offensive in years in the country’s north-west, cutting off the highway linking Damascus and Aleppo. The opposition groups, led by the jihadist group HTS, have also seized control of key junctions on major highways. The government and its allies have responded with airstrikes and shelling, displacing thousands of families and causing casualties. The armed forces have called it a violation of a de-escalation agreement, leading to continued attacks on villages and military bases.
The offensive, which began in early Wednesday, has resulted in the capture of more than 15 villages and a military base by the opposition fighters. The violence has expanded to the countryside of Idlib province, with the aim to allow the return of displaced people. The escalating hostilities have forced aid groups to suspend services and displaced thousands of families.
The conflict in Syria has been ongoing since the anti-government protests in 2011, with different factions backed by various countries involved. Russia and Iran support the government forces, Turkey backs Syrian opposition factions, and the US supports Kurdish forces fighting against ISIS. The recent offensive comes after a ceasefire was announced between Israel and Hezbollah, and as Israel escalated its attacks against Iran-linked targets in Syria.
Turkey, which has a military presence in north-western Syria, has closely monitored the offensive and taken measures to protect its troops in the region. The Turkish officials indicated that the offensive was a response to government attacks targeting civilians and aimed to re-establish the boundaries of the de-escalation zone. The situation in the region remains volatile, with ongoing clashes between opposition groups and government forces.
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