Syrian Rebels Launch Surprise Offensive, Clashing with Assad Forces
Intense fighting has erupted in northwest Syria, as insurgent militias launched a surprise offensive against government troops. The Syrian army, backed by Russian airpower, is fiercely resisting the advance.
The Syrian military reported heavy losses inflicted on the insurgents, which they describe as “terrorists.” They are working with Russian allies and “friendly forces” to regain lost ground and restore the situation.
The offensive, spearheaded by the Islamist militia alliance Hajat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), began on Wednesday. HTS fighters advanced deep into Aleppo province, a region largely controlled by the Syrian government, according to reports from both sides.
Local sources say Syrian and Russian airstrikes have targeted rebel positions in northwestern Syria near the border with Turkey, responding to the unexpected surge in fighting.
The Syrian military described the latest actions as a major attack across a broad front. They say that the rebels used “medium and heavy weapons to target secure villages and towns, as well as our military installations." The army claimed significant losses in repelling the attack.
The insurgents reportedly advanced almost ten kilometers from Aleppo city limits, getting within close range of Nubl and Sahra, where the Iranian-backed Lebanese Hezbollah militia maintains a strong presence.
Al-Najrab airport in eastern Aleppo was also targeted. Pro-Iranian militias have outposts in the area.
Adding further complexity to the situation, Iranian media reports suggest that a general in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard was killed in Aleppo during the fighting. While the reports didn’t offer details, they alleged the general was killed by “terrorists” affiliated with Israel.
The Syrian Observator for Human Rights reports that over 140 people have been killed in the fighting, with 89 belonging to HTS and its allied groups, while 52 were government forces and their supporters.
Insurgent Justification: Preempting a Government Assault
The insurgents claim their offensive was a preemptive strike, designed to counter increased Russian and Syrian air force attacks against civilians in Idlib province’s south.
They also stated their intention was to forestall potential attacks by Assad’s forces, who had been observed massing troops near the frontlines.
The insurgent groups assert that over 80 civilians have been killed in drone strikes on villages they control since the beginning of the year. The Syrian government denies directly targeting civilians, insisting that its military solely engages with militant groups aligned with the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda.
Turkish security sources suggest the militia offensive initially began as a limited operation in response to Syrian government troop attacks. They claim the rebels expanded their actions after government troops withdrew from their positions.
These clashes are occurring within a designated de-escalation zone in Idlib, an area established in 2019 by Russia, Iran, and Turkey with the aim of reducing hostilities between the insurgents and government troops.
Turkish officials have expressed concern about the escalating violence and emphasized that they are closely monitoring the situation, taking precautions to safeguard Turkish troops stationed in northern Syria.
A Renewed Escalation: The Biggest Attack in Years
These clashes represent the most intense fighting in the region since a ceasefire was negotiated in March 2020. That agreement established a fragile stability between the Assad regime and rebel forces in the area where Aleppo province meets the jihadist-controlled Idlib region.
Aside from Iran, Russia is Assad’s primary ally, while Turkey primarily supports the rebel factions. The jihadist organization HTS is classified as a terrorist group by both the US and Turkey. HTS exerts
Contd## What prompted the surprise offensive launched by Syrian rebels against government forces in northwestern Syria?
## Syrian Rebels Gain Ground in Surprise Offensive
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us now to discuss the escalating situation in northwestern Syria is Middle East analyst Dr. Sarah Jones. Dr. Jones, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Jones:** My pleasure, thank you for having me.
**Host:** So, we’ve seen reports of intense fighting between Syrian rebels and government forces. Can you give us some context on what triggered this latest offensive?
**Dr. Jones:** This surprise attack, spearheaded by the Islamist militia alliance HTS, appears to be a preemptive response to what the rebels perceive as an intensifying air campaign against them by Syrian and Russian forces. They are alleging that these airstrikes were targeting civilian areas, forcing them to launch this offensive.
**Host:** And what’s the current situation on the ground?
**Dr. Jones:** It’s a fluid situation, but clearly HTS has made some significant gains. They have advanced deep into Aleppo province, nearing strategic areas like Nubl and Sahra, which are held by pro-Iranian militias like Hezbollah. They’ve also targeted Al-Najrab airport in eastern Aleppo, further highlighting their ambition.
**Host:** The Syrian military is, of course, fighting back.
**Dr. Jones**: Yes, absolutely. The Syrian army, backed by Russian airstrikes, is fiercely resisting the advance. They claim to have inflicted heavy losses on the insurgents and are working to regain lost territory.
**Host:** We’ve also heard reports, unconfirmed, of the death of an Iranian Revolutionary Guard general. What are the implications of Iran being drawn further into this conflict?
**Dr. Jones:** Iran’s involvement further complicates an already complex situation. If confirmed, the death of an Iranian general, particularly if attributed to Israeli-linked groups, could spark a wider escalation, with unpredictable consequences.
**Host:** Tragically, there are already reports of significant casualties.
**Dr. Jones:** The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimates that over 140 people have been killed in the fighting so far, with losses on both sides. This underscores the devastating human cost of this conflict.
**Host:** Dr. Jones, thank you for your insights into this rapidly evolving situation. We’ll continue to monitor the conflict in Syria and bring you further updates.
