Syrian Rebels Launch Major Offensive in the Northwest, Seizing Key Territory

In a historic move, Syrian rebel factions, primarily led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have initiated a large-scale offensive against President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Reports indicate heavy casualties on both sides, increased air strikes, and a dire humanitarian situation for the Four million people in Idlib as fierce clashes erupt.

Rebel forces announced an extensive offensive in north-western Syria aimed at pushing back against government aggression, marking their first significant territorial gains in years. The assault, spearheaded by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions, has reportedly led to the capture of several towns and villages in Aleppo and Idlib provinces since its commencement on Wednesday.

The Syrian military responded by condemning the offensive as a “large-scale” terrorist attack, claiming to inflict substantial losses upon the rebels. According to a UK-based monitoring group, over 180 combatants have perished from both sides as a result of the skirmishes, and civilian air strikes carried out by Syrian and Russian forces have tragically claimed the lives of at least 19 individuals.

With over half a million lives lost since the onset of the civil war in 2011—triggered by a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests—Idlib stands as the last substantial opposition stronghold. The region houses more than 4 million displaced people facing extreme hardships. Although HTS largely maintains control over Idlib, various rebel factions under the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) also operate in the area.

A ceasefire brokered by Turkey and Russia in 2020 temporarily halted a full-scale government assault on Idlib, giving rise to a period of reduced violence. However, sporadic conflicts have persisted. Last month, UN special envoy Geir Pedersen warned that regional tensions from conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon were complicating the already volatile conditions in north-west Syria. He revealed that HTS had been conducting significant operations into government-controlled territories, which coincided with a resumption of Russian air strikes.

On the first day of the latest offensive, rebel fighters reportedly advanced into western Aleppo countryside, establishing positions within 10 km of Aleppo city’s outskirts, as per reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). They succeeded in seizing the Syrian army's 46th Regiment base, alongside several villages.

Additionally, the rebels have obstructed the M5 highway connecting Aleppo with Damascus, impacting transport essential for logistics and supplies within the beleaguered region. Reports indicate that over the course of two days, 121 rebels and 61 government soldiers and loyalists have died in the escalating violence.

The Syrian military maintained their position, stating they are actively engaging the “terrorist assault” with comprehensive military strategy while withholding details on their own casualties. However, reports have surfaced that a senior commander from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, involved as a military adviser in Syria, was killed amid the fighting.

As civilian casualties continue to mount, organizations like the International Rescue Committee report that nearly 7,000 families have been displaced due to the intensifying hostilities. The Syria Civil Defence, known as the White Helmets, documented a tragic airstrike in the opposition-controlled town of Atareb, resulting in the deaths of several civilians, including children.

In light of the soaring violence, UN officials, including Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, David Carden, expressed grave concern for civilians, calling for urgent de-escalation and the safeguarding of humanitarian operations in a desperate plea for protection during this turbulent period.