Aleppo on the Brink: Rebels Gain Ground as Syrian Forces Retrench

Following a resurgence of rebel activity, the Syrian army has begun withdrawing from Aleppo, as airstrikes by Russia signal an intensifying conflict. Rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leads a coordinated offensive, capturing key areas and raising questions about the future governance of the city.

Syrian troops are retreating from Aleppo as rebel forces mount a significant offensive, reversing years of territorial control by President Bashar al-Assad's government. With the rebel coalition spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), recent fighting has underscored a resurgence of hostilities, breaking a fragile ceasefire from 2020 that had slowed violence within the region.

In the wake of this escalating conflict, Russian airstrikes resumed over Aleppo for the first time since 2016, providing support to Assad's beleaguered forces. Fighting has claimed over 300 lives, with reports indicating at least 20 civilian casualties, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

The offensive, which began on Wednesday, has seen rebels effectively seize control of Aleppo's airport and many surrounding towns. The subsequent declaration of a curfew starting Saturday evening illustrates the chaos unfolding in the city, as thousands of residents scrambled to evacuate. The Syrian army has reported heavy losses and acknowledged that rebels have entered "large parts" of Aleppo, though they indicate preparations for a counterattack are underway.

Pictures circulating from the area reveal significant traffic congestion as families attempt to flee the impending conflict. With Idlib province merely 34 miles from Aleppo, the dynamics of control in this pivotal region continue to shift, stumbling the fragile peace that once reigned. The future remains uncertain as the crises evolve, prompting questions about the potential outcomes for a war-torn nation seeking stability.