Aleppo Falls to Islamist Coalition, Marking a Turning Point in Syrian War
Update
December 1, 2024
10:28
L ebedion controlled](HTS), dominated by the former Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, and its allies in the Syrian rebel factions, have seized control of most of Aleppo in a stunning offensive that rewrites the balance of power in Syria’s brutal civil war. The capture of the nation’s second city marks a significant turning point in the decade-long conflict and raises serious questions about the future of the Assad regime.
The rapid advance, capturing not only Aleppo but also its airport, was punctuated by fierce fighting that left more than 320 people dead, according to an NGO report. The international community expressed grave concern over the escalating violence, with Iran swiftly voicing its unwavering support for the Syrian army and government. In response to the rebel offensive, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad remained defiant, insisting in a statement released by his office that “Syria is capable of defeating terrorists.”
The capture came amidst mounting tensions, as a truce declared between Hezbollah and Israel coincided with the launch of the rebel offensive. The rebels, launching from their stronghold in the Idlib region – the last rebel bastion – prioritized taking dozens of towns and villages before decisively entering Aleppo on Friday.
A Swift and Decisive Assault
The capture of Aleppo represents a significant blow to the Assad regime, which had been gradually regaining territory with crucial assistance from Russia, Iran, and Lebanese Hezbollah. Since launching a counteroffensive in 2015, the government had managed to reclaim much of the country, culminating in the recapture of Aleppo itself in 2016.
However, the recent rebel offensive shattered that progress. The success of the Islamist-dominated coalition in seizing control of Aleppo raises doubts about the longevity of the Assad regime and casts a shadow over the country’s future. Just as celebrations were underway, reports emerged of a “probable” Russian airstrike targeting civilian vehicles in a rebel-held area of Aleppo, resulting in the death of 16 civilians.
nightmare scenario for the international community, especially after several years of relative calm in the Syrian conflict, which began in 2011 and has seen regional and international powers entwined in a devastating proxy war.
How will the fall of Aleppo affect the balance of power in the Syrian conflict?
## Interview with Dr. Sophia Khalil on the Fall of Aleppo
**Interviewer:** Dr. Khalil, thank you for joining us today. Aleppo has fallen to an Islamist coalition after a shocking offensive. Can you tell us more about this development and its implications?
**Dr. Khalil:** Certainly. This is a seismic shift in the Syrian conflict. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the former Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, and allied rebel factions have taken control of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. This stunning victory drastically alters the balance of power after years of stalemate.
**Interviewer:** What led to this sudden turn of events?
**Dr. Khalil:** It’s been a rapid and brutal campaign. HTS and its allies exploited weaknesses in government defenses, launching a lightning-fast assault that took the Syrian regime by surprise [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/29/world/syria-rebels-aleppo-war-intl/index.html)]. Their capture of Aleppo, including its airport, within days is unprecedented.
**Interviewer:** The international community seems deeply concerned. What are the major worries?
**Dr. Khalil:**
The immediate concern is the humanitarian crisis. The fighting has left over 320 people dead according to reports [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/29/world/syria-rebels-aleppo-war-intl/index.html)], and the situation for civilians trapped in the city is dire. There are also wider geopolitical ramifications. Iran, a key ally of the Regime, has condemned the offensive. The potential for regional instability and escalation is very real.
**Interviewer:** What does this mean for the future of the Syrian conflict?
**Dr. Khalil:** It’s too early to say definitively, but this is undoubtedly a turning point. The fall of Aleppo weakens the Assad regime significantly and raises serious questions about its long-term survivability. HTS’s control of a major city like Aleppo will likely embolden other Islamist groups and could lead to new power struggles within the rebel movement itself.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Khalil, for sharing your valuable insights on this developing situation.
