Syrian insurgents have taken control of Aleppo, the country’s largest city, facing little resistance from government troops. Thousands of insurgents, equipped with vehicles and armor, deployed to key landmarks in the city, tearing down posters of Syrian President Bashar Assad. This surprise takeover is a huge embarrassment for Assad, who had previously regained control of Aleppo in 2016 after a grueling military campaign.
The push into Aleppo followed weeks of escalating violence, including government attacks on opposition-held areas. The Syrian armed forces have redeployed and are preparing for a counterattack to absorb the large insurgent presence in the city. Meanwhile, Turkey’s diplomatic efforts to prevent the Syrian government attacks have failed, leading to a violation of a 2019 agreement to freeze the conflict.
The offensive in Aleppo comes as Iran-linked groups, including Hezbollah, have been preoccupied with internal battles. The insurgents have also made significant gains in the Aleppo and Idlib countryside before entering the city. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that city hospitals are full, and schools and government offices were closed, with residents staying indoors.
The situation in Aleppo remains tense, as government troops are regrouping and preparing to push back against the insurgents. Russia has also joined the conflict by targeting and killing militants who launched the offensive. The city now faces uncertainty and unrest as residents navigate the new reality of insurgent control.
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Photo credit apnews.com
