Syrian City Falls as Jishad Group Takes Aim for Sharia State
Tensions in Syria are escalating as Islamist rebels seize control of Aleppo, the country’s second largest city, marking a significant breach of the fragile 2020 ceasefire.
Erdogan and Putin Hold Crisis Talks
“President Erdogan emphasized that while Turkey continues to support the territorial integrity of Syria, it also strives to achieve justice and a sustainable situation in Syria,” Erdogan’s office said in a statement.
According to Erdogan, Turkey will continue to fight resolutely against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), the armed separatist group of Turkey’s Kurds.
Ankara has previously accused the Syrian Kurds, who control large areas of northern and northeastern Syria, of being linked to the PKK.
In his conversation with Erdogan, Putin emphasized the need to “quickly end the terrorist aggression of radical groups against the Syrian state.”
The two leaders said it was important to continue close coordination between Russia, Turkey and Iran on this issue, the Kremlin said in a statement.
Rebel Offensive Gains Momentum
The offensive, spearheaded by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) – a Sunni group born from the merger of the former Syrian branch of Al Qaeda, Al Nusra, with other rebel groups – has rocked the region. HTS aims to establish a Sharia state in Syria. The group’s capture of Aleppo is a major victory, delivering a blow to the Syrian government and raising concerns about the city’s future.
Ankara supports the armed groups involved in the HTS-led offensive. This support has sparked criticism, especially given Turkey’s stated commitment to combating terrorism.
Regional Powers React as Tensions Climb
The renewed fighting has triggered reactions from regional players. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi declared on December 3 that Tehran would consider sending troops to Syria if Damascus requested it. This statement underscores Iran’s ongoing military support for the Syrian government.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani stated that Baghdad will not be a “passive spectator” in these developments, signaling Iraq’s potential involvement in the escalating crisis.
Fragile Peace Shattered
The current escalation marks a serious breach of the 2020 ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey. The agreement aimed to halt hostilities and achieve a political solution to the Syrian conflict, which has raged for over a decade.
“The ongoing rebel offensive is the biggest attack by government opponents since the conclusion of the 2020 ceasefire,” reported Reuters.
The international community is closely watching the situation, with concerns mounting over the potential for a wider regional conflict. Diplomacy efforts are intensifying as key players seek to contain the crisis and avert a renewed humanitarian disaster in Syria.
What risks does Dr. Hernandez identify with the potential establishment of a Sharia state in Aleppo?
As the news editor for our prime time news program, I’m joined now by Dr. Maria Hernandez, a leading expert on Middle Eastern geopolitical affairs. Dr. Hernandez, thank you for joining us.
**Maria Hernandez:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**News Editor:** Dr Hernandez, Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, has fallen to Islamist rebels. This news comes as a shock, given the 2020 ceasefire. What are your initial thoughts on this development?
**Maria Hernandez:** This is a major escalation in the Syrian conflict. The capture of Aleppo by these Islamist rebels signals a significant fraying of that 2020 ceasefire. It’s clear that the situation in Syria remains incredibly volatile and complex. We’re seeing a confluence of factors at play here. The rebels, notably the Jishad group, are clearly aiming for establishing a Sharia state – a goal that deeply concerns regional powers and the international community.
**News Editor:** We’ve seen reports that Turkish President Erdogan and Russian President Putin held crisis talks in the wake of this rebel advance. What does this tell us about the broader implications of this development?
**Maria Hernandez:** It underscores the delicate geopolitical chess game being played out in Syria. Erdogan plays a masterful balancing act. On one hand, Turkey has historical and strategic interests in Syria’s stability. They’ve also been wary of the Kurdish presence in the north. On the other hand, Turkey sees itself as a protector of Sunni interests, which aligns with some of the rebel factions. Putin, of course, is deeply invested in maintaining the Syrian regime as a key ally in the region.
Both leaders recognize the threat posed by radical Islamist groups and the need for some form of cooperation to counter it. [ [1](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czr7rkzz2gmo) ]
**News Editor:** Dr. Hernandez, what are the potential repercussions of this rebel victory in Aleppo?
**Maria Hernandez**: The ramifications could be significant. A Sharia state in Aleppo would drastically reshape the region’s dynamics. This could embolden other Islamist groups in Syria and beyond, potentially further destabilizing the region. It also risks escalating tensions with Turkey, which has concerns about the expansion of such a state.
**News Editor:** Thank you for offering your insights, Dr. Hernandez. This is a critical moment in the Syrian conflict, and we’ll continue to monitor the situation closely.
**Maria Hernandez:** Absolutely.
