Armed groups in Syria have initiated a significant offensive against regions held by government forces, resulting in intense fighting for the second consecutive day and the capture of territories in Western Aleppo, according to reports from both government and opposition sources on Thursday.
According to the Syrian armed forces, this campaign is primarily led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group that has established control over much of northwest Syria. They contend that this offensive breaches a prior agreement aimed at de-escalating the conflict. The military reports that attacks are still in progress, with various villages and military installations being targeted.
In an official statement, the army mentioned, “Our forces are confronting the terrorist organizations with enhanced capabilities and in coordination with allied forces to restore order to the region.”
The opposition factions began their assault early Wednesday, claiming they have taken control of over 15 villages from government troops, alongside a military base and equipment, while also reportedly capturing several soldiers. These claims by the opposition have not been independently verified.
The opposing fighters assert that their actions are aimed at facilitating the return of thousands who had fled due to recent government shelling.
This escalation follows weeks of escalating violence in the region, with reports indicating that government and Russian allied forces have intensified their aerial bombardment in areas constituting the opposition’s last major stronghold.
Additionally, this offensive coincides with the preoccupations of Iranian-affiliated groups that have supported Syrian government forces since 2015, as they are currently engaged in their own domestic struggles.
Moreover, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, a prominent group in the Iran-backed coalition, have intensified since September, leading to ongoing conflicts. Notably, a cease-fire was declared on Wednesday, coinciding with the announcement of the opposition’s military campaign. Over the past 70 days, Israel has ramped up attacks against Hezbollah and Iranian-associated targets within Syria.
HTS, which was formerly known as the Nusra Front and has been linked to al-Qaida, underwent several name changes and has attempted to distance itself from its origins.
Since the onset of anti-government protests in 2011, which eventually erupted into civil war, Russia and Iran have consistently provided support to the Syrian government. In contrast, Turkey has offered backing to various opposition factions while establishing a military presence in parts of northwestern Syria. The U.S. meanwhile has focused its support on Syrian Kurdish groups combating Islamic State militants mainly in the eastern regions of the country.
Turkey announced on Thursday that it is closely observing the developments regarding the offensive by opposition groups in northern Syria. According to unverified statements from defense ministry officials cited by the state-run Anadolu Agency, the Turkish military has implemented “all necessary measures” to safeguard its personnel stationed in Syria.