The capture of Aleppo by Islamist rebels has reignited the Syrian civil war, leading to increased military activity and potential involvement from Russia and Turkey. The rebels’ surprise offensive has shifted control back to opposition forces for the first time since 2016, further complicating the longstanding conflict. Amid regional power distractions, the situation demands collective international efforts toward peace negotiations.
The Syrian civil war has escalated following the recent capture of Aleppo by rebel forces. This surprising move, executed by Islamist rebels on November 26, has reinvigorated the long-dormant conflict and raised tensions in the region, with potential implications for international players such as Russia and Turkey. For the first time since 2016, control over Aleppo has shifted back into rebel hands, marking a notable change in the dynamics of the civil war.
In their offensive, the rebels attacked from northern and northwestern regions, swiftly entering Aleppo by November 29-30. The Syrian government, previously backed by Russia and Iran, has vowed to retaliate, while Russia conducts airstrikes to support the Syrian military. The ongoing struggles since the war began in 2011 have resulted in hundreds of thousands of fatalities and displaced millions of Syrians from their homes.
The rebel groups involved include Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which was formerly al-Qaeda’s official wing in Syria. This organization, under the leadership of Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has been dominant in the Idlib region, while another alliance backed by Turkey, known as the Syrian National Army, has initiated separate offensives from areas to the north of Aleppo.
The recent conflict flare-up can be attributed to a shift in the power balance following the distraction of Syria’s primary adversaries—namely, Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah—due to their involvement in various regional conflicts and the ongoing war in Ukraine. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan indicated that the rebels were seizing the moment amid these challenges faced by their opponents.
Although a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey had previously stabilized the northwest region, Turkey’s growing frustration with President Assad’s inability to broker peace with opposition groups has led to concerns regarding the Syrian government’s military actions against rebels. The potential for a Kurdish alliance to gain power has also further complicated the situation, prompting Turkey to express increasing alarm.
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 following protests against President Bashar al-Assad, has continually evolved, marked by changing control over key territories. The conflict is characterized by a complex interplay between various factions, including government forces, rebel groups, and international interests. Recently, the recapture of Aleppo by rebels has re-ignited discussions around peace negotiations, intervention from foreign powers, and the humanitarian crisis facing millions of displaced Syrians.
The reoccupation of Aleppo by Islamist rebels is a significant turning point in the Syrian civil war, highlighting the shifting power dynamics in the region. Current developments underscore the complexity of formulating a reliable peace plan amidst ongoing military confrontations. As the conflict escalates, the international community is urged to prioritize substantive negotiations to resolve the crisis that has plagued Syria for over a decade.
Original Source: www.france24.com
